Starting From Scratch- Afghan Logistics

“It’s hard to break something that’s not built.” This statement made by Lt. Gen. William B. Caldwell, head of NATO Training Mission–Afghanistan (NTMA), is the summation of the Afghan Logistical Unit. The Army Times posted an article on the lack/ non-existence of Afghan supply, called "Army building Afghan logistics from 'scratch'".

So where to start? What should be the basis for creating an Afghan supported logistical system? Do we need to go ALLLLLLLLLLL the way back to Neoplean times, how about World War II, or maybe we should be so generous to let them copycat our supposed RML (Revolution in Military Logistics) in which we have employed new tactics and technology in order to "generate, sustain, and transport" in terms of logistics. As General Dennis Reimer once stated, "There can be no revolution in military affairs without having a revolution in military logistics." This statements seems to hold the same standard over any army, including the Afghan army. Much like our logistical revolution, there is a science to it all. I'd say it begins with the good old fashion TLP's:

1. Receive the Mission. Okay check Afghan logistics.
2. (Skip Warno) Make a Tentative Plan.
3. Initiate Movement.
4. Recon.
5.Complete the Plan.
6. Issue Order.
7. Supervise.

Now that we understand the problem, the most effort and concentration should be focused around making a plan structured for the "Afghan" army, not the United States Army. They live in a different setting, culture, and basic way of life than the structure of America, with less than 15% of the Afghan Army recruits being literate, the simplest tasks of logistics will seem near impossible. So it must be re-stated, "make a plan structured for the 'Afghan' army." The supervise part is also key because this will be a true learning experience for most. The basics of water and food distribution as well as fuel to Afghan units have only been implemented by the most senior Afghan soldiers having done so during the Soviet invasion.

In order to completely remove American presence in Afghanistan and hand it over to their forces, it all starts with logistics. "Logistics is probably the most complicated thing an army does because there are a lot of different pieces that have to come together for a logistics system to work," stated Col. John Ferrari. The time and effort in order to structure and teach such an intricate system will take the longest. It's easier to teach someone how to pull a trigger and shoot, it's not so easy to make generate, transport, supply, manufacture, maintain, and distribute that gun so the soldier can shoot.

It's also about starting early. One problem the Iraqi effort faced was the length it takes to rebuild a military's supply. An army is more than just people. You need items all the way from shoe laces to ammo to food to batteries. Simply giving the Afghan army the equipment and space is not the answer. Training the soldiers to understand the concepts of logistical time and inventory is the answer.

We are headed in the right direction in assisting build of Afghan logistics. Helping Afghan officers understand the negatives of hoarding, as well as teaching them the importance supply and consistent resupply, this all starts with getting rid of bad habits. Recently in 2009, the coalition has at least helped the new Afghan recruits read and write to at least the U.S. first grade level. Although it may not seem like much of a push towards education, at least they (Afghan enlisted) will know 1 + 1 = logistics.