A Network Optimization Solution Using SAS/OR Tools for the Department of the Army Branching Problem

This paper will demonstrate the use of SAS and SAS/OR to solve a long standing Army problem of assigning ROTC cadets to their initial basic branch (Infantry, Armor, etc). The paper starts with a problem statement, describes the problem as a network optimization and then shows model results after adding each of the constraints from the problem statement. The paper summarizes with comments about why a network optimization is a good solution for this type of problem. Finally, the paper makes the assertion that SAS data manipulation and statistics procedures are an additional benefit provided by the SAS/OR solution not found elsewhere.