SOT Mobility Classification: Strategic, Operational, Tactical

A new standard for mobility classification of military vehicles is proposed. Mobility is classified according to the three major mobility categories: Strategic, Operational, and Tactical (SOT). A set of metrics is proposed for each category, with each metric divided into five performance thresholds. The metrics and thresholds are based on observable criteria from in-service military vehicles. The metrics are primarily empirical and can be determined via testing, measurement, or calculation. A brief description of each metric is provided, followed by a validation of the standard using a selection of typical in-service military vehicles including wheeled, tracked, combat, and logistics vehicles. Three existing mobility assessment tools are briefly discussed to demonstrate the gap that the proposed standard seeks to fill. The proposed standard allows true comparison of mobility agnostic of gross vehicle weight, drivetrain type (wheeled or tracked), or vehicle purpose (combat or logistic). This allows a fair comparison of vehicles across all mobility spectrums and provides a common reference point for military vehicle specification, requirements definition, procurement, and a foundation from which to construct a mobility test and evaluation plan.