The Constraint Model Of Attrition

Abstract

Helmbold demonstrated a relationship between a ratio containing initial force sizes and casualties, herein called the Helmbold ratio, and the initial force ratio in a large number of historical battles. This paper examines some of the complexity of the Helmbold ration using analytical nd simulation techniques and demonstrates that a constraint model of attrition captures some aspects of historical data. The effect that the constraint model would have on warfare modeling is uncertain. However, some speculation has been attempted concerning its use in large scale simulations.