What is Operational Research and Analysis (OR&A)?

To help answer the questions posed in the CF/DND environment, OR&A has a toolbox comprising many core building blocks, including:

• accurate and authoritative models and simulations used to
  • recreate battlefield conditions and combat, and
  • compare options such as weapons' systems, sensors, tactics and doctrine, or command and control systems;
• models and data of the cost elements of various CF capability components;
• models of the historical usage of the CF and techniques to predict the utility and effectiveness of possible force structures under various future scenario assumptions;
• a large database of past analysis reports and studies helping to answer questions such as:
  • how many helicopters do we need?
  • what is the best self-protection solution among these options?
  • how much ammunition do we need to buy?
  • what would be my losses if we went to battle with this equipment against that enemy?
  • what are the measures of effectiveness and performance used to rate this system?

OR&A may include, but is not limited to:

• contributing to improved operational effectiveness and efficiency today and in the future;
• developing and applying mathematical and statistical models, simulations and other techniques to understand and improve real world operations;
• providing scientific support and advice;
• providing research, mathematical/strategic analysis, and strategic advice.