Operations Research (OR) originated during World War II as a response to tactical problems relating to the efficient operation of weapon systems, and to operational problems relating to the deployment and employment of military forces. OR has evolved since then to a full-scale scientific discipline that is practiced widely by analysts in industry, government and the military.

OR is the science of helping people and organizations make better decisions. More formally, it is the development and application of mathematical models, statistical analyses, simulations, analytical reasoning and common sense to the understanding and improvement of real-world operations. Improvement can be measured by the minimization of cost, maximization of efficiency, or optimization of other relevant measures of effectiveness.

The military uses OR at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. OR improves decision making and facilitates insights into the phenomena of combat. OR applications cover the gamut of military activities including: national policy analysis, resource allocation, force composition and modernization, logistics, human resources (recruiting, retention, promotion, training and personnel assignment), battle planning, flight operations scheduling, intelligence, command and control, weapon selection (weapon system effectiveness, cost, compatibility and operability), engagement tactics (fire control, maneuver, target selection, and battle damage assessment), maintenance and replenishment, and search and rescue.

The Naval Postgraduate School's Operations Research Department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. It is one of the oldest, largest, and highest ranking OR departments in the US. It is without peer in terms of the extent to which graduate education is integrated with a commitment to solving real military problems. Our students and faculty use the latest mathematical modeling ideas and computing technology to penetrate deeply into the analysis of important real-world problems. Analysis is a key word; NPS operations researchers frequently influence decisions and serve as agents for change.

The military specifically uses OR at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. OR applications cover the gamut of military activities including: national policy analysis, resource allocation, force composition and modernization, logistics, human resources, battle planning, flight operations scheduling, intelligence, command and control, weapon selection, engagement tactics, maintenance and replenishment, and search and rescue.

The OR Mission

• to educate analysts who are fully capable of conducting independent analytical studies of military problems, and to provide an educational basis for continued learning and development;
• to develop and maintain a world class research program in operations research and related areas;
• to provide operations research and general analysis support to DOD.

Professors Gaver, Brown, and Washburn Receive 2009 Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Medal (awarded by the Secretary of the Navy)

SEED Center for Data Farming

Dr. Gary Horne (left) and Dr. Susan Sanchez (center) of the OR Department's SEED Center for Data Farming participated in a NATO Modeling & Simulation Group symposium in Brussels last week.  The Symposium was organized by NPS OR Department alumnus Dr. Juan Ruiz (right), who is currently Head of the Modelling and Simulation Coordination Office of NATO's Research and Technology Agency.   The paper on "Data Farming in support of NATO" was co-authored by Gary Horne and Susan Sanchez, along with their German colleagues LtCol Stephan Seichter (another NPS OR alumnus), Dr. Daniel Nitsch, and RAmtm Karsten Haymann.  

Prof. Lucas wins 2009 Richard W. Hamming Annual Faculty Award for Achievement in Teaching

OR Professor Daniel Nussbaum testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on how to improve the acquisition and cost estimating processes in the Department of Defense. Video or PDF

Your Town hosted by CAPT Jeff Kline
See interviews with distinguished OR Professors

OR Seminar Schedule

The OR Department is recruiting!

"I think that the operations research curriculum that I went through is one that's very relevant to what we do in the Navy. ...I've used it in three significant tours in the Pentagon. I've also used it at sea and war fighting. What the curriculum taught me to do was to properly frame a problem, ask the right questions, to assess risk and to move on from there."

--Admiral Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
NPS OR M.S. '83