| Introduction
The advent of the 21st century, the end of Cold
War and the United States of America assuming
the role of the single most powerful nation on
the face of the earth, in particular after the
dissolution of the Soviet Union, there has an
increased focus on the need to bring significant
reduction in military spending as well as utilize
existing resources in areas such as environment
preservation and public sector health, education
and employment opportunities. The particular emphasis
on reduced defense spending, an aspect felt by
other western nation as well is gaining momentum
particularly when there is an enhanced need to
expand the size of the same budget and utilize
it in other areas as well. In this respect a report
compiled by the famous "Economist" issue
of 1998 revealed that it has become a trend that
defense inflation has been on the rise as compared
to the normal economic inflation figures. In turn,
this had led to the phenomenal rise in the cost
of the new weapon systems, hence the rising importance
of the most efficient and effective logistics
not only serving as a 'competitive advantage',
but as a 'force enabler' as the terms are more
often used by the US Department of Defense. In
addition, 'focused logistics' is the latest of
terminologies that analyze the challenges of the
past as well as forge out strategies for the present
and future needs of defense for the nation, as
also the principal topic of this dissertation.
Focused Logistics
As also briefly introduced in the preceding lines,
focused logistics pertains to the analysis of
the differences between of the past and the present
operational challenges. It also evolves from the
technological progresses that have become a crucial
part of not only the corporate and business sector
but for the militaries of the world. Such is the
advancements in technological progresses that
the changes are said to equal to, if not greater
than the changes that took place with the advent
of the agrarian followed by the industrial revolutions
of the preceding centuries. The need for technological
change was felt even greater after the end of
the Cold War and the need to effectively intervene
in conflicts taking place away from the home base.
In addition, just as outsourcing of business has
become an essential tool for the growth of businesses,
so is the need to converge the military of a nation
in such a fashion that it can effectively deal
with any 'threat' whether at home or from any
quarter of the world, hence the need for focused
logistics.
The origins of focused logistics are found in
the armed forces of the United States of America,
according to which the said term includes "the
fusion of information, logistics, and transportation
technologies to provide rapid crisis response,
to track and shift assets even while en route,
and to deliver tailored logistic packages and
sustainment at the strategic, operational as well
as tactical level of operations." Thus, one
may observe that this comprehensive definitions
includes the primary aspects of latest and state
of the art technologies with particular focus
on information technology, equally advanced transportation
techniques, business methods of asset control
and the concepts of 'tailoring. (Department of
Defense, 1999).
A deeper analysis of the term 'focused logistics'
reveals that though the US Department of Defense
has provided a truly comprehensive definition
making it appear as a new idea, it is not an entirely
new concept as it is somewhat similar to the business
concept of 'lean logistics'. A brief on 'Lean
logistics', reveals that it encompasses five principle
aspects, namely specifying value, identifying
its stream, making it flow, pulling just in time,
and striving for perfection. Furthermore, it also
includes within, the objective of integrating
information; logistics and distribution systems
gaining the name of "supply chain logistics".
From the said objectives of "supply chain
logistics", it would appear that it includes
various business functions, including those of
purchasing, inventory control, transportation,
material handling, manufacturing, distributions
and other allied functions, thus the similar nature
of focused logistics to that of lean logistics.
From the perspective of defense and military,
the importance of supply chain logistics thus
can be ascertained from its importance as a means
to be perfectly flexible in particular in uncertain
times such as prevalent today. The ability of
the defense and military today is thus to obtain
a leaner supply chain which can easily support
the combined armed forces in such a manner that
they are deployed in any part of the globe, and
that too within the shortest possible timeframe.
A lean supply chain becomes all the more important
as the current and future emphasis is to bring
about a significant reduction in the defense/military
costs. (Coyle et al, 1992).
The above description on lean supply chain as
a 'focused logistics' strategy thus provides credence
such that it not only strives to bring in a reduction
in the amount of equipment and consumables needed
by the Ministry of Defense for both storage as
well as for subsequent operations. The same also
works to better prepare the said department in
enhancing the speed at which the various resources
are utilized, thus allowing for an improved rate
of production within the supply chain.
One of the important accomplishments in pursuing
such a strategy is the effectiveness of the philosophy
of 'just in time' as compared to the old practice
of 'just in case' where both military and other
needed supplies were stored in large quantities
so that they could be utilized in maximum number
of eventualities. In contrast, the current philosophy
of 'just in time' serves to reduce inventory,
as well as make the lean supply chain more effective.
Second accomplishment in the pursuit of a lean
supply chain is the reduced reliance and need
for maintenance as well as enhance the factors
of reliability in an equally advanced set of systems,
in particular information systems. In doing so,
one can observe that lesser the need for spare
parts and maintenance, the lesser the need for
maintenance, and hence a significant reduction
in both the costs of storing huge inventories
of spares as well as transporting the same. This
also implies that equally reduced costs would
be incurred in transporting spares that are not
needed or are faulty as such.
A prime example to this respect can be found
in the not so recent Gulf War where the US made
battle tank named 'Challenger 1' was observed
to result in poor performance with respect to
its 'Mean Time Before Failure'. Thus, in comparison
to the planned figure of 1235 kilometers, 'Challenger
1' broke down at approximately 723 kilometers
of performance. As a result, not only was there
a reduced performance on the part of the battle
tank, there was significant loss of essential
man-hours, together with the expenditure of storing
and moving spares and equipment up and down the
supply chain. Hence the increased costs in needed
spare parts, maintenance, man-hours, and loss
of time, all of which could otherwise be spent
on 'engaging or over-powering the adversary' (Moore
et al, 2000).
This thus implies that a reduction in inventory
at the combat area, a comparative visibility in
the supply chain system, would indeed result in
reduced costs in overall logistics infrastructure.
Furthermore, reduced inventory in turn would require
less manpower to maintain, less space to store
the same, and lesser resources to transport the
same. It also implies that in order for right
material to be loaded on the correct transport
system, at the right time and place, the use of
effective supply chain becomes all the more critical
as the end result is utilization of above strategy
in the least expensive manner and best possible
utilization of available resources.
Focused Logistics: Some Advantages
From the brief discussion on focused logistics,
it would only be imperative to specify some of
the salient advantages. These include effective
utilization of a truly global real-time logistics
information; similar to the one found in the wold
famous Wal-Mart chain of stores. Similarly, the
use of advanced identification technology such
as the bar codes, optical memory cards; radio
frequency tags all serve to enhance the tracking
system for requisite assets and personnel alike.
The effective use of electronic commerce, more
commonly known as e-commerce as part of focused
logistics would allow for on-line ordering and
payment.
Another crucial importance of focused logistics
is to give emphasis on speed rather than mass,
which could be accomplished by the use of effective
and fast paced transportation system equally usable
for land, sea as well as the airforce.
A crucial advantage in the supply chain system
as part of the focused logistics is the use of
integrated distribution system where response
time is duly enhanced an accurate delivery system
is adopted for both rear delivery as well as forward
delivery systems. In addition, the use of civil-military
integration becomes all the more important as
some of the best business aspects are adopted
in accomplishing the desired objective.
Some examples of the civil-military integrated
approach in the focused logistics were witnessed
in the Gulf War where commercial lifts were effectively
used on the battlefield as an important part of
the military. At yet another instance, the use
of civilian organizations as additional manpower
serve to provide a number of services such as
witnessed in areas of peacekeeping and humanitarian
assistance. This is witnessed particularly in
countries where the local infrastructure does
not exist at all or is of little use.
Another important advantage of focused logistics
is the use of accurate identification of future
logistic requirements. This duly provides the
Ministry of Defense significant leverage in both
investment of critical material as well as saves
crucial time, which is otherwise wasted or used
up in pursuit of unnecessary planning and irrelevant
material.
The use of logistic supplies planning tools also
serves as inhibitors of real-time awareness of
both unit and weapon system readiness. This allows
the respective logistic experts to adopt a 'proactive'
strategy as well as use a 'pull' supply chain.
The strategy also serves as a 'broker' of information
and integrator of both supplies and services.
A summary of the above described advantages of
focused logistics reveals that the overall set
of objectives are to bring about significant reductions
in times and costs, produce a rapid infrastructure,
as well as enhance both quality and readiness
of the armed forces. This is duly accomplished
by initially identifying and then emphasizing
on the salient aspects of the respective logistics
system. It also implies that strategies such as
'just in case' be replaced with 'just in time'
strategies, thereby effectively utilizing the
best support system available.
Focused Logistics: Some Disadvantages In analyzing
the importance of focused logistics, there are
also some factors, which serve as disadvantages,
which must be accounted for, in order for the
subject of focused logistics to be understood
comprehensively.
One of the first disadvantages observed in focused
logistics include the 'over reliance' on technology
as compared to physical abilities and potential,
for example of a soldier engaged in a battleground.
Thus, one may observe that today, information
from a laptop computer though may serve as of
vital importance. Yet, the realities and differences
between a physical and real battleground and virtual
information gained from a computer cannot be totally
ruled out. In this respect, one of the best examples
was provided in a study carried out by Gray who
in 1998 noted that in today's information era,
true information may practically fascinate a soldier,
so much so that he would not be able to realize
a machete carrying adversary creep up from behind.
In addition, Grays also writes that though the
importance of information technology cannot be
ruled out as it has duly enhanced the capabilities
of a standard military force, such as the concepts
of 'low threat perception and financial pressure
on the adversary. Yet, strategic truth must not
be equated with myths of technology and automation
irrespective of situations.
Furthermore, the disadvantage of focused logistics
also includes the contention that a paradigm shift
in technological advances or for that matter upcoming
technology must never be allowed to change the
fundamental structure of any armed force, and
that too without realizing the potentials of an
adversary. Thus, even if the logistics of an armed
force is indeed enhanced, there is little evidence
to suggest that the conditions in which the respective
war is being fought too have undergone similar
changes.
A skeptical view at the disadvantages of focused
logistics also reveals that though ethnology has
numerous advantages, future approach to logistics
nevertheless is increasingly proving that a coalition
or international cooperation will dominate warfare.
Thus, just as the business empires and corporations
today cannot succeed without becoming truly international,
whether by outsourcing or establishing their own
subsidiaries or branches; similarly warfare too
has become a joint venture and somewhat multinational
in both strength and application. This does not
imply that integration is the only option for
future warfare, as evidence strongly suggests
that the size and budget of an armed forced of
a country makes it all the more difficult for
a true integration to take place. (Applegate,
1998).
A prime example to the disparity between the
size and budget of armed forces of nations can
be witnessed in the recent Gulf War, where the
strength of the British airforce comprised of
over sixty Hercules type aircraft for transport
alone, whereas the Americans utilized some 350
aircraft for transportation. This type of huge
difference not only confirms, but also truly makes
any integration impossible, and to a certain dangerous
as well as the differences or the mismatch could
trigger a capability conflict from within the
armed forces.
Another important disadvantage in focused logistics
is the capability of an armed force to strike
the rear section, where the forces are most vulnerable
and where supply line and supply chain is most
likely threatened, or likely to incur the most
damage. This is true, even if the adversary is
presumed to be reasonably competent as well as
technologically sophisticated. The same holds
true for the adversary, as he is likely to adopt
a similar strategy, and strike at our supply line.
In the context of focused logistics, it may well
be observed that this issues remains to be addressed,
hence a disadvantage.
Yet another core disadvantage of focused logistics
is the transportation element. From a brief view
at the present modes of transportation, it is
observed that more and more advanced mode are
being adopted for transporting both supplies and
military personnel. Yet, a deeper study of advanced
and modern modes of transport shows that it is
the most vulnerable as well as open to exploitation.
This becomes all the more crucial as the difference
between 'just in time' philosophy and 'just in
case' philosophy largely depends on the delivery
of both supplies and personnel as compared to
storage and gathering respectively. Furthermore,
the importance of the different modes of transportation,
such as ships, aircraft, tanks, and trains cannot
be ruled out. As they are always an easy target,
in particular in zones which lie outside the protected
space of home territory. (Evans, 1998)
Cost and value too have always been two of the
most important aspects in ascertaining focused
logistics an any military, or for that matter
defense needs of a nation. To guise both the cost
and value as a military advantage has only proven
to be a futile exercise, in turn giving to rise
to the concept of 'tailoring' in military spending
as well as costs respectively. The concept of
tailoring has however been wrongly utilized in
the case of military spending as focused logistics
calls for user confidence attitude. Tailoring,
on the other hand at the cost of innovation and
in the name of disguise then results to be a disadvantage,
and certainly unsuitable for such a crucial organization
as the military of a nation.
Focused Logistics: Disadvantage of Flexibility
and Responsiveness
In earlier times, there was a generally accepted
notion that the transportation needs of Ministry
of Defense could well be out-sourced to commercial
organizations in times of armed conflict or war.
However, with focused logistics taking an entirely
new phenomenon, the need for transportation became
all the more essential, and there was a greater
need for enhancing transportation requirements
on a 'full time basis'. A prime example to this
respect was the acquisition of British Army's
purchase of 4 additional roll-on/roll-off ships
and 4 large strategic airlift aircraft such as
the C-17 model or its equivalents. Though this
is just one example of a nation meeting its requirements,
this cannot be held true for all nations, as both
the costs and size of the military budget may
as well place restrictions on such a strategy
for an average nation. This also gives rise to
an entirely new concept for focused logistics,
one that is termed and defined in terms of a time
frame.
This has perhaps been best exemplified by the
armed forces of the United States of America,
which have not only accepted, but also duly implemented
the phenomenon of focused logistics in its complete
entirety. For example, the US armed forces have
implemented the focused logistics as a working
system, which gives emphasis to crystal clear
visibility with respect of the various assets
of the military. Such is the element of visibility
for various assets that logistic experts are able
to give emphasis to speed of their operations
in direct contrast to the age-old concepts of
storing of assets. This has been possible largely
due to the concept of deploying a rapid force,
which in turn emerges from the pursuit of a small
logistics footprint strategy and an equally fast
paced supply chain. Included in this vitally important
supply chain are elements such as practices that
are part of present day e-commerce strategies,
competitive sourcing and emphasis on partnerships,
importance to 'in-theater logistics footprint
and infrastructure', and a significant reduction
in inventory and maintenance personnel.
A proper utilization of the focused logistics
in a true spirit can thus result in a significant
reduction of costs, the same can also result in
an enhanced flexibility as well as provide for
an improvised support system which can duly prepare
and launch an attack on a given adversary in the
shortest possible time. The same is also perceived
as an answer to those calling for cuts in military
spending as it provides duly tailored concepts
focused logistics through a lean supply as well
as a flexible supply chain, as also explained
in the above paragraphs. The important aspect
of all this exercise is that it need not be implemented
on a one time basis, as the same can tailored
to suit the strategically proven different cases
separately, hence its effectiveness. In addition,
the proper and adequate use of focused logistics
will also provide for a reduced financial spending
and solve the issue of unutilized assets in times
of peace. The best and optimal use of the focused
logistics thus is to provide and utilization of
the adequate warfighting assets, for the right
place, at a right time, and in the right amount.
Focused logistics thus seeks to integrate information
superiority and technological innovations in such
a manner so as to develop state-of-the-art logistics
practices and doctrine. This will allow U.S. forces,
as a prime example to accurately track and shift
assets, even while en route, thus facilitating
the delivery of tailored logistics packages and
more timely force sustainment. Focused logistics
will also reduce the size of logistics support
while helping to provide more agile, leaner combat
forces that can be rapidly deployed and sustained
around the globe.
In this respect initiatives such as ‘Joint
Total Asset Visibility’ and the ‘Global
Combat Support System’ will provide deployable,
automated supply and maintenance information systems
for leaner, more responsive logistics. These and
other ‘Department of Defense programs, as
well as a host of Service initiatives, will be
capable of supporting rapid unit deployment and
employment and will better support the battlefield
commander by eliminating redundant requisitions
and reducing delays in the shipment of essential
supplies.
Rapid Global Mobility and Agile Combat Support
With respect to focused logistics, it may well
be observed that though all the branches of the
US armed forces, namely the army, navy and the
air force all have an somewhat equal stake and
participatory role, the US air force in particular
enjoys a unique position as it alone comprehensively
encompasses some of the core competencies as envisaged
in America's Air Force Vision 2020. With its mission
statement reading as "defending the United
States and protecting its interests through Aerospace
Power", the US air force has duly adopted
a national security strategy with major themes
as its core competencies. These include:
• Speed - Bringing our military power to
bear
• Range - Projecting forces over great distances
• Flexibility - The ability to adapt
• Precision - Doing exactly as the mission
requires
• Lethality - Bringing the right amount
of firepower to bear to destroy the target
The US air force further claims global vigilance,
reach and power central themes as its core competencies
which include aerospace superiority, global attack,
rapid global mobility, precision engagement, information
superiority, and an agile combat support system.
Thus the primary service to the nation of the
US air force is her ability 'to develop, train,
sustain, and integrate all of the above said elements
or core competencies. Though each of the said
core competencies encompass and hold true with
respective importance, only the competencies of
rapid global mobility and that of an agile combat
support system will be briefly discussed in the
following lines.
Rapid Global Mobility
The element of 'Rapid Global Mobility', is one
of the most reliable combat force multipliers
of the US air force. Included within this important
competency are aspects such as responding to an
unexpected challenge with utmost decisiveness,
rapid pace and irrespective of the location on
any part of the globe. It also includes the facility
of airlifting and aerial refueling as the situation
may demand, thus building an air bridge for joint
forces anywhere on the globe. The rapid global
mobility also encompasses such responsibility
as effectively taking part in a multinational
peace effort, as well as providing a duly 'speed-tailored
support system' for land forces which are already
deployed at the war-front. In all, the purpose
of the rapid global mobility is to 'support combat,
peacekeeping as well as any humanitarian efforts
as the case may be respectively.
Agile Combat Support
With the mission statement of the strategy reading
as " “The ability to sustain flexible
and efficient combat operations…is the foundation
of success” the agile combat support system
is an answer to the huge deployment of inventories
with utmost agility, hence the name of an agile
combat support system. It also supports expeditionary
forces, adopts a 'time-definite resupply concept',
and effectively utilizes a 'reach-back strategy'
to allow decreased personnel in forward positions
as well as reduce their function respectively.
Perhaps the greatest ability of the agile combat
support system is to find out locations of critical
parts, thereby permitting the air force to enjoy
a positive leverage in efficiency (Peters, 2000).
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