The military production function

Abstract

This article analyzes three methods of estimating the military production function which relates military inputs to a measure of military effectiveness. The econometric military production function employs historical data to estimate the relationship between inputs and military effectiveness. A production function estimated during the Vietnam War is provided as an example. The response-surface military production summarizes the input and output data of a large-scale military operations research model. This method is illustrated using a model that links maintenance manpower to aircraft sorties. The technological military production function is derived from underlying technological relationships.Military production function, Cost-effectiveness analysis, Interdiction, Response surface methodology, Isoquants,

The Effectiveness of Canada's Navy on Escort Duty

“…This is not the first paper that attempts to quantify the difference in ability of weapon platforms. The examination of the use of helicopters versus fixed wing aircraft during the Vietnam War by Hildebrandt (1999) estimates a similar value. In that scenario, the weapons were complements whereas in this case, the ships used were substitutes for one another.…”

Conflict and Defence Output: An Economic Perspective

“…Typically, such studies have estimated for readily identified measures of effectiveness, such as providing an air defence capability or the numbers of aircraft destroyed or the number of aircraft sorties per day. This approach is used in cost-effectiveness studies but such studies focus on only a limited measure of defence output (Hildebrandt [1990;1999]). For example, a costeffectiveness study of air defence would compare the costs and effectiveness of alternatives such as land-based air defence missiles versus manned fighter aircraft; or anti-submarine capability would compare land-based maritime patrol aircraft versus naval frigates; or anti-tank capability would compare missiles and attack helicopters.…”

A Clarification of the Concepts of Force Multiplier and Returns to Force Scale

“…The interested reader is referred to Hartley and Sandler (2001) and Hildebrandt (1999) for good introductory expositions of these ideas. A good understanding of this literature is critical to the proper evaluation of defence systems.…”