Over a given period of time, coalition forces can collect data on the number of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that are found or detonated. However, the number of IEDs emplaced and in construction, as well as the rates in which IEDs are moving throughout the supply chain, remains unknown. We show that using the data on IEDs detonated and found, we can mathematically estimate the behavior of the entire supply chain, thus providing estimates on previously unknown aspects of the IED supply chain. This provides useful information on the unobservable parts of the supply chain and offers better metrics for gauging the effectiveness of counter-IED efforts.
WeissLWhitakerEBriscoeE. Modeling behavioral activities related to deploying IEDs in Iraq. Georgia Tech Research Institute, 2009. 14th Street Atlanta, GA.
