Combat Damage Usability Rating System

Introducing the Combat Damage Usability Rating System (CDURS)

The Combat Damage Usability Rating System (CDURS) is a damage assement rating made for this website to better compare that state of battlefield losses. In the dynamic world of military operations, evaluating the usability of equipment after sustaining combat damage is critical for assessing its resilience and effectiveness in real-world scenarios. CDURS offers a comprehensive approach to rating the usability of military equipment on a scale of 1 to 10, providing clear insights into the equipment's condition and functionality following battlefield encounters.

Why Choose CDURS Over BDA (Battle Damage Assessment)?

  • Holistic Usability Assessment: CDURS not only considers the extent of damage but also takes into account the overall functionality of the equipment. It accounts for partial usability, limitations, and various degrees of impairment to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
  • Incorporating Catastrophic Loss: CDURS acknowledges the possibility of catastrophic losses, where the equipment is completely non-functional and beyond repair. This ensures that such cases are accounted for and given appropriate consideration.
  • Accounting for Unique Situations: CDURS addresses scenarios beyond direct combat damage, such as equipment being stuck in terrain or flipped upside down. These situations may not involve damage to critical components but can significantly impact usability, and CDURS recognizes and rates them accordingly.
  • Granular Rating System: With ten distinct rating levels, CDURS offers a finer-grained evaluation compared to the traditional binary approach of functional/non-functional. This granularity allows for a more nuanced understanding of equipment performance.
  • Ease of Implementation: CDURS can be seamlessly integrated into existing military procedures and provides a standardized system for assessing equipment usability across various units and contexts.
  • Accessibility for the general Population: CDURS is designed to be user-friendly and easily understood by individuals with limited technical expertise. This makes it valuable not only for military personnel but also for reporters and others who need to comprehend the equipment's operational status quickly and accurately.
  • Rapid Assessment at a Glance: CDURS allows for quick visual assessment of a vehicle's state, enabling on-the-spot decision-making during high-pressure situations. Additionally, the rating system's structured data can be processed computationally, facilitating data-driven analyses and decision support.

By adopting the Combat Damage Usability Rating System (CDURS), military personnel and observers of conflicts gain valuable insights into the operational capabilities of equipment, enabling informed decision-making in challenging and dynamic combat situations. CDURS empowers the armed forces and OSINT with a comprehensive tool to assess equipment performance in the face of adversity.

CDURS - Combat Damage Usability Rating System

1 - Catastrophic Loss (CL)

The equipment has experienced a catastrophic failure, rendering it completely non-functional and irreparable. Not even salvageable parts remain. It cannot be restored to any usable state.

2 - Non-functional (NF)

The equipment is non-functional, but some salvageable parts may remain. It is severely damaged and can not be used. Repairs are not feasible.

3 - Severely Impaired (SI)

The equipment has suffered significant damage, making some critical functions unusable. Salvageable parts may exist, but repairs require extensive resources and time, making it a financial loss.

4 - Limited Functionality (LF)

The equipment's performance is significantly reduced, but some essential functions may still be operational. Repairs may be possible with adequate resources and downtime.

5 - Marginal Usability (MU)

The equipment's basic functions are operational, but its overall performance and effectiveness are noticeably diminished. Repairs are feasible in a reasonable timeframe.

6 - Partial Usability (PU)

The equipment is partially usable, but some limitations exist. This includes situations where the equipment is immobilized, stuck in terrain or upside down, without sustaining damage to critical components. Recovery efforts are required to restore full functionality.

7 - Usable with Limitations (UL)

The equipment is mostly operational, but some non-critical features remain affected. Repairs are easily achievable within standard maintenance procedures.

8 - Fully Usable (FU)

The equipment can perform all of its primary functions effectively. Minor repairs may be necessary, but overall, it remains highly operational.

9 - Resilient Performance (RP)

The equipment sustains minimal damage and continues to operate near its original capabilities. Only minor maintenance is required for optimal performance.

10 - Unaffected (UA)

The equipment remains completely unaffected by combat damage and operates at its full capacity without any signs of degradation.

Examples

Vehicle: M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank

Rating: 6 - Partial Usability (PU)

Assessment and Decision Making:

  1. External Observation:
    • The tank's turret appears to be operational, capable of rotating, and firing its main gun.
    • The tank's exterior hull shows signs of combat damage, with minor dents and scratches.
    • No visible damage to critical components, such as the engine or fuel systems.
  2. Interior Inspection:
    • The tank's crew compartment is intact, providing protection to the crew.
    • All crew members are safe and accounted for.
    • Communication systems are operational.
  3. Mobility and Suspension:
    • The tank is immobile due to getting stuck in a deep trench during the combat operation.
    • While the hull floor and suspension have sustained damage, they are not critical components, and repair is feasible.
  4. Primary Functions:
    • The tank's main gun and secondary weapon systems are operational.
    • The tank's targeting systems are fully functional.
  5. Protection and Armor:
    • The tank's composite armor has effectively protected the crew from enemy fire.
    • The tank's reactive armor has been partially depleted in areas where it absorbed impacts.

Decision Making:

Based on the comprehensive assessment of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, the team rates its usability as 6 - Partial Usability (PU).

Reasoning:

The tank's primary functions, weaponry, and protection systems are operational, enabling it to engage enemy targets effectively. However, the tank's mobility is impaired due to being stuck in a trench, and the hull floor and suspension have sustained damage. This limits the tank's movement and maneuverability, impacting its overall usability.

While the damage is not catastrophic, recovery efforts are required to pull the tank out of the trench and perform necessary repairs. Once extricated and repaired, the tank can regain full functionality, making it a valuable asset on the battlefield. Despite the current limitations, the tank remains partially usable, providing the crew with protection and offensive capabilities.

The decision to rate the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank as 6 - Partial Usability (PU) is supported by the understanding that the tank's core functions are intact, and with proper recovery and maintenance, it can be restored to full operational capacity.

Vehicle: BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicle

Rating: 4 - Limited Functionality (LF)

Assessment and Decision Making:

The BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicle has sustained combat damage during a recent engagement. A thorough assessment of the vehicle's condition using the Combat Damage Usability Rating System (CDURS) results in a rating of 4 - Limited Functionality (LF).

Reasoning:

  • Hull Damage: The BMP's hull has experienced significant damage from enemy fire, resulting in compromised structural integrity. While the vehicle is not completely non-functional, the hull's impaired condition poses a risk to the crew and reduces the overall protection level of the occupants. This contributes to the limited functionality rating.
  • Suspension Issues: The vehicle's suspension system has been affected by the combat encounter. Although it still allows the vehicle to move, the suspension's reduced performance impacts mobility and stability, making it less effective during maneuvers. The need for repairs and maintenance further justifies the limited functionality rating.
  • Weapon System: The BMP's primary weapon systems are operational, allowing the crew to engage enemy targets effectively. However, the damage sustained during the combat encounter has slightly reduced the weapon system's accuracy and firing rate, contributing to the vehicle's limited functionality.

Decision Making Justification:

The decision to assign a rating of 4 - Limited Functionality (LF) to the BMP Infantry Fighting Vehicle is based on the overall assessment of its operational capabilities. While the vehicle is still partially usable and can fulfill some of its core functions, the extent of damage sustained during the combat engagement has significantly diminished its overall effectiveness and survivability.

Given the rating, it is important to consider the limitations imposed by the damage and the potential risks associated with further deployment in high-risk environments. Immediate repairs and maintenance are required to address the issues affecting the hull and suspension, and to restore the vehicle's mobility and protection capabilities. Additionally, continuous monitoring and ongoing assessments are necessary to prevent further degradation in performance.

This rating aids the military commanders in making informed decisions on whether to deploy the BMP in its current condition or prioritize it for maintenance and repairs. Depending on the tactical situation, it may be more prudent to utilize other fully operational vehicles with higher ratings for critical missions, while the BMP undergoes necessary rehabilitation to regain its full operational capabilities.

Vehicle: Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank

Rating: 2 - Non-functional (NF)

Assessment and Decision Making:

The Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank encountered an ammunition fire during a combat engagement, resulting in significant damage to the hull, turret bustle, and external fuel tanks. A comprehensive assessment of the tank's condition using the Combat Damage Usability Rating System (CDURS) leads to a rating of 2 - Non-functional (NF).

Reasoning:

  • Hull, Turret Bustle, and Fuel Tank Fire: The ammunition fire caused extensive damage to the tank's hull, turret bustle, and external fuel tanks. The front of the tank is almost fully burned out, with critical systems and components severely affected. The rear of the tank suffered only minor damage due to the location of the ammunition fire.
  • Structural Integrity: The extent of the fire has compromised the tank's structural integrity, making it non-functional. Critical components and systems have been irreparably damaged, impacting the tank's operational capabilities.
  • Operational Capabilities: The tank is no longer capable of performing any of its primary functions, including firing its main gun, maneuvering, or protecting its crew. The ammunition fire has caused a complete loss of operability.

Decision Making Justification:

The decision to assign a rating of 2 - Non-functional (NF) to the Leopard 2A6 Main Battle Tank is evident from the extensive damage caused by the ammunition fire. With the tank's hull, turret bustle, and fuel tanks heavily damaged and critical systems compromised, the tank is non-functional and beyond repair. While some salvageable parts may exist, the overall operational capabilities have been severely affected, making it unfit for repair.