This thesis examines the tactical employment of decoys. The Army invested approximately $7.5M into fielding multispectral (visual and thermal) tactical decoys. Initially, many company commanders were reluctant to include the decoys in their tactical planning. Now, even more commanders believe that preparation for combat involves too many more important matters that preclude integrating this nonlethal system into their already time and resource constrained tactical operations. This thesis provides some insight into this concern and suggests ways in which decoys may be employed. Analysis, both qualitative and quantitative in nature, is the original work of the author. Historical examples from WW II, Operation Desert Storm, and the Combat Training Centers provide qualitative data for the subjective evaluation of the combat effectiveness of decoys. Janus and CASTFOREM modeling results serve as quantitative data for a statistical assessment of decoy combat effectiveness. The author concludes that decoys do enhance combat effectiveness when decoy employment is incorporated into the tactical scheme of maneuver. Otherwise, the mere presence of decoys may actually jeopardize the tactical operation.

ADA 284608 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)