Systems Engineering - A Dynamic and Growing Field of Study
The integration and importance of systems thinking in the Army is rapidly expanding, which makes Systems Engineering a dynamic, relevant, and rapidly growing field. The Systems Engineering Sequence is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the art and science of decision-making. The SE Sequence offers you a framework to develop executive-level skills at the undergraduate level. The sequence also supports several critical secondary Army career specialties including:
- Operations Research/Systems Analysis (OR/SA)
- Research and Development (R & D)
- Acquisition Corps
- Information Systems Engineer
The Systems Engineering Sequence consists of three courses. Cadets enrolled in the Systems Engineering core sequence start the sequence in the first or second term of their Cow Year. The three course sequence must be completed in consecutive semesters. The first course introduces you to the systems approach to solving problems. You will learn “systems thinking” and apply the Systems Decision Process (SDP) to real world problems. The second course introduces you to many decision-making models and techniques used to analyze a wide range of personal, military or financial decisions. In the final course, cadets integrate project management skills with those skills developed in the first two courses to complete a capstone project.
Typical Systems Engineering Problems and Applications
As a Systems Engineer, you will apply a broad range of skills to a multitude of modern systems and important contemporary issues. These issues will require an inter-disciplinary perspective and include some of the examples listed below:
o Analyzing combat simulations from the Corps to the Soldier level utilizing a variety of modeling software packages thereby increasing warfighting capabilities of deployed forces
o Designing decision support systems which maximize the lethality and effectiveness of our military forces across the globe
o Determining optimal use of resources in allocating and managing the latest Army multi-million dollar acquisition projects
o Supporting decision makers with accurate, timely, and relevant courses of action that span critical subject areas such as strategic policy, infrastructure, personnel, and logistics
o Managing Army transformation requirements by analysis of Army structuring, cost, effectiveness, and integration
o Evaluating Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Systems and maximizing battle space command and situational awareness
o Protecting the environment through systematic evaluation of how to reduce pollutants while increasing productivity.
Questions about the Sequence? Contact us!
LTC Dale Henderson
Academic Counselor: se_dac@usma.edu