Today’s
logistic model is faster, more accurate, and efficient than it has ever been
before. While, every system has its flaws, our military logistics model works well
enough to provide us with the supplies we need. Of course, as we covered today
in class, things do not just magically appear and get moved to where we need
them to go. There is a matter of generating what we need, transporting it from
point A to point B, sustaining the supply, and sometime redeploying. However,
the future looks bright and what we need may really be a fingertip and a
printer away. 3D Printers are the latest
craze in technology: from printing a 30-round AR magazine to a human ear, the possibilities are endless.
The Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF) has
already deployed its first mobile 3D expeditionary printing lab capable of producing components for weapons and bombs.
3D printing
is the next revolution in our logistics system.
Take for granted, it is only now in its infancy and only small parts and
prototypes are currently produced by the printers, but we could quite literally
increase the efficiency, speed, and accuracy of all four components of our
logistics model G-T-S-R in one machine.
The Generation aspect would no longer take weeks as orders would be
submitted and the item produced virtually on the spot. Facilities, such as the REF labs, established
on an outpost or FOB would basically cut out transportation (or at least long
distance shipping); and sustainment would essentially entail maintaining a serviceable
and operational 3D printer.
Despite
such a forward step with REF, the Army will meet resistance, as the head of DMI
described in class today, to change by those who are reluctant to welcome alien
and abstract technologies. 3D printers
are already widely used in prototypes and models across the country. You can even purchase your own home 3D printer
made by MakerBot or accessible through companies
such as Braintree Printing. Despite the resistance that may occur in
introducing the new technology into our logistical system or adapting around the
technology, it will eventually impact our model. Even General Schuyler saw resistance as he thought
about the future logistical details during the Revolutionary War. While he was not well liked, his thoughts and
plans on how to keep soldiers fed and supplied as fast as possible kept troops
from freezing and fed (to an extent) throughout the winter campaign. The same can be said for those who use the 3D
printer, while they may not be well received; someday they will be able to print out food
and weapons faster than ever before.
I was waiting for the government to pick up on this new breakthrough in technology. The recent introduction of the 3-D printer into the media's spotlight has created quite the frenzy. Specifically with the current unstable political environment surrounding "assault-style" weapons and the public's ability to purchase them freely. All could change once the template becomes publicly released so that average American (with the $2800 printer) can print their own AR-15 receiver. In terms of logistics, I believe a tactical utilization of this technology is an excellent idea. By significantly cutting the time/cost of getting much needed supplies to the front lines we are working towards a more efficient and effective fighting force.
ReplyDeleteEven though the 3-D Printer allows you to produce many products on site, you still need the materials on hand to print the product. That means if you want something printed you're still going to have to transport the raw materials to the site of the printer. However, I believe the 3-D Printer could have an enormous impact on the "just-in-time" logistical system. A global power could have 3-D Printing facilities stationed with forward deployed forces and a stockpile of materials at those locations. The force in theater could then produce what it needs, when it needs it, much closer to the front. The mountains of supplies that were seen during World War II would be replaced with mountains of raw materials. This could also make foraging a viable option once more for armies, taking raw materials from the surrounding area and using the materials collected to produce the things they need. No longer having to transport things across the globe....or space???
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