Analytics in Action: Reflections from the 94th MORS Symposium
- cherishjoostberns6
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
CANAers recently returned from the 94th Military Operations Research Society (MORS) Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and it was a whirlwind of collaboration, innovation, and analytical debate. The event, held at the U.S. Air Force Academy, served as a powerful reminder of why active participation in professional societies like MORS is a force multiplier for professionals and companies alike.
Between informative briefings, thought-provoking panels, and the unexpected virtual race against a digital Jesse Owens, our team walked away with fresh insights and new connections.
Key Takeaways
This year’s symposium focused heavily on the intersection of rapid technological advancement and the need for rigorous analysis. Several major themes emerged:
The "AI vs. OR" Debate: There was significant discussion regarding the role of AI in operations research. The resounding conclusion? Both sides are in "violent agreement": while AI is here to stay, it doesn’t replace the need for OR; in fact, with the advent of AI, we need more analytical rigor, not less.
The challenge lies in ensuring we have human expertise to monitor outputs and validate results.
The "So What?" Factor: A constant refrain was the need to move beyond just producing a number or a chart. Stakeholders demand actionable insights. Whether it's dashboards or high-level briefings, the goal is to provide leaders with the clarity they need to make decisions and then to provide the training necessary for them to use those tools effectively.
The Utility of Classified Forums: MORS remains a unique event where analysts can engage in classified discussions (up to the Secret level) on current real-world operations. For a company like CANA, having the ability to hear research and analysis on active conflicts and other world events is invaluable for understanding the current operational environment.
Notable Sessions and Speakers
Ethics for Analysts & Data Scientists: This was a deep dive into the role of AI and where to hold the line as analysts, bringing together both junior and senior perspectives.
Laser Power Beaming: CANA’s Scott Cohick, Principal Operations Research Analyst and MORS Board Member, presented CANA’s modeling, simulation, and analysis project on the military utility of wireless power transfer technology. Presenting this research not only highlighted our efforts but also generated valuable discussion and networking opportunities.
Sponsor Panel: A recurring highlight for many MORS attendees, representatives from top defense organizations discussed pressing concerns including contested logistics, bulk fuel, and the critical need to transition from service-specific solutions to joint solutions.
Wargaming & Emerging Techniques: The Wargaming Expo continued its expansion, reflecting the growing importance of these tools in training and strategy.
CANA’s Role and Utility in MORS
We’re always pleasantly surprised when we hear how “big” CANA seems. While we are an organization of less than 50, we work hard to stay relevant and involved in the federal and military spaces. Ivana Ferrer, CANA Principal Data Scientist, was surprised to find at this, her first MORS conference, that "everyone knows CANA". Over the last 60 years of MORS, CANA has provided three of its presidents, a contribution that underscores our commitment to the field. This past year, CANA Principal Operations Research Analyst, Nick Ulmer, has served MORS in this role.
MORS is also a prime venue for identifying talent and finding partners. We’ve brought in numerous team members who first discovered CANA through our MORS presentations.
As CANA’s Senior Director of Analytics and MORS Vice President of Professional Development, Walt DeGrange pointed out, the society acts as a force multiplier and helps ensure we remain at the forefront of the national defense analytics conversation.
Memorable Highlights
Beyond the briefs and panels, the symposium offered plenty of unique moments.
Networking in Action: Scott Cohick realized a session on counter-UAV aligned perfectly with CANA’s ENTOURAGE™ solution. A quick conversation in the back of the room led to a valuable introduction; this is the exact kind of serendipitous connection that makes MORS so effective.
The "Human" Side of Operations: The leadership dinner at the Olympic and Paralympic Museum was a fantastic team-building opportunity and great fun. Walt DeGrange was able to get his hands on an authentic Olympic torch and competed in a foot race against a virtual Jesse Owens. No surprise that Jesse remains the one to beat!
The 94th MORS Symposium was more than just a conference, it was a testament to the value of active involvement professional communities. As we look ahead to upcoming events like the Emerging Techniques Forum and the 95th Symposium at Quantico, we are energized to apply these lessons to our ongoing projects.
If you are interested in getting involved with MORS, presenting your work, or writing an article, please reach out! Not only are there some exciting MORS events coming up, but there is always a place for those looking to sharpen their analytical edge.
Curious about CANA? For information on CANA’s service offerings, areas of interest, or employment opportunities, visit our website at www.canallc.com, or reach out directly to us at info@canallc.com.
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About CANA
CANA is a woman-owned small business (WOSB) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that empowers federal and commercial organizations to thrive in a global digital world through precise and adaptable technology solutions. We fuse our rigorous analytics and top-tier talent with deep expertise in complex logistics to design customer-centric, powerful solutions. We strive to create an environment that allows our Team and Clients more time to focus on the things that matter most.
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