Rapid Equipping Force Here to Stay

Upon the arrival of the US Army in Afghanistan, Commanders recognized the need to equip soldiers and units with non-standard equipment.  In order to meet this need, the Army created the Rapid Equipping Force or REF in 2002.  REF Engineers develop systematic solutions to real-world problems faced by the American Soldier.   Their mission is to quickly met these challenges through the use of current, off-the-shelf technologies within 180 days or less.  Since its creation, the REF has brought items to the battlefield such as Water Purification Units, Unmanned Ground Vehicles, Lightweight All Terrain Vehicles, Traumatic Brain Injury and much more.  As Operation Enduring Freedom comes to its end, questions as tot he need for such a program arise.  Recently however, the future existence of the REF was confirmed by Under Secretary of the Army, Dr. Joseph W. Westphal.  This news was presented in an article on the Official Homepage of the United States Army on 31 January 2014. 

REF Soldier Load Solutions

The Under Secretary's actions signify that the Army views the need to rapidly generate material as being critical to fighting future conflicts.  In his memo, Westphal writes, "The Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff have determined that the capabilities afforded the Army by REF must be rendered enduring."  What makes this decision so significant for the Army of the future?

To begin the ability for a military force to generate the equipment necessary to engaging the enemy is vital to their ability to be effective in combat.  Generation is the first aspect of the G-T-S-R (Generate, Transport, Supply, Re-Deploy) Concept of Military Logistics.  It can be debated as to whether logistics drives strategy or if it adapts to meet the requirements of strategy, but regardless, an effective military strategist incorporates logistics into his or her plans.  Through the use of G-T-S-R the effectiveness of current plans as well as analysis of plans of the past can be evaluated to obtain valuable lessons for fighting the wars of the future. 

REF Minotaur in use in OEF

The REF gives the United States Army a unique advantage in terms of the Generation aspect of logistics  Additionally, it also seeks to supply the American soldiers with the tools they need to carry out their mission.  Looking back at the history of the Military Logistics, the ability to generate has the power to give a force a distinct advantage over its enemy.  During the Second World War, this was apparent with relation to the ability of the United States to out-produce Nazi Germany thus giving them a distinct advantage in the European theatre.  Additionally, in the discussion of the Normandy Invasion in Martin Van Crevald's "Supplying War", it is seen that not everything can be planned for.  In the same way the Allied Forces did not expect to have to overcome the Bocage Country of France in 1944, American forces did not expect to have to overcome IEDs in Afghanistan in 2002.  War requires a great deal of adaptability, whether that means moving through the Bocage Country of France, the Jungles of Vietnam, the Desserts of Iraq, or the Mountains of Afghanistan.  The United States Army has had the ability to adapt to these challenges in the past.  The Army of today and tomorrow will continue to turn to the REF to meet these challenges head on and ensure that the US Army has the ability to fight wherever and whenever needed. 

  

Lean Six Sigma Redeployment Ops

Operation Desert Farewell was one of the largest and most successful logistical redeployment operations in recent military history.  The process, under the leadership of LTG William Pagonis, involved two stages involving the removal of personnel, equipment, and supplies.  In short, Pagonis was able to "move mountains" by establishing an effective logistical system of accountability using precise planning and efficient systems including contractors, forward support units, and tactical and operational logistics (Log-bases).  An important innovation from this operation was the utilization of more efficient "business-like" planning and forward supporting logistical units.

Today, the US Army is witnessing a similar situation with the current draw down of forces in Afghanistan.  With the draw down, the Army is redeploying troops and equipment at the largest scale in recent history.  In particular, in the Kandahar province, 401st AFSBn is responsible for conducting as rapid and efficient a redeployment as possible. 

According to the commander of the Battalion, LTC Roy Speaks, this process will require a shift from orthodox Army doctrine.  He stated, "We can't keep making decisions using the typical Army decision making process with a logistical task of this magnitude.  It's going to make retrograding equipment out of Afghanistan harder due to the quantity of the accumulated military equipment, aggressive timeline, the related costs, and the limited transit options."

This concept consists of what is known as a Lean Six Sigma process.  This process allows for an "organization to rid its processes of non-value added requirements, such as the seven wastes--transportation, inventory, movement, waste, over production, over processing and delay."  In the end the result is  "gained efficiency, productivity, and improved flexibility to better meet the needs of the customer."

One of the programs involved is the C-17 air retrograde optimization process improvement.  This involves the rapid redeployment of vehicles (pictured above) which greatly decreases the original time of 3 to 5 months to less than 2 weeks.  This is able to occur through the utilization of the new Lean Six Sigma tactics along with the collaboration between the 971st Movement Control Team, the US Air Force, and the 401st Field Support Brigade. 

 Additionally,  military planners are using "business-like" thought processes.  One commander noted, "We can't stop thinking in the military sense, but we have to start bringing in lessons learned by the private sector."  This can be seen in the new, more efficient Lean Six Sigma concepts which involve the collaboration of forces and contracted civilian organizations. 

One can see many similarities between Operation Desert Farewell and the current draw down in Afghanistan.  The Lean Six Sigma tactics and use of contractors, forward support units, and efficient mechanisms is very similar to LTG Pagonis' concept of "moving mountains."  In short, whether dealing with time or cost in redeployment operations, efficiency is key. 

Finding Savings in the Rebalancing

A thorough inspection in progress

US Army logistics begins the implementation of the Pacific Utility and Logistics Support Enablers-Watercraft (PULSE-W) with the onset of 2014 in Japan. Currently the 10th Regional Support Group (10th RSG), along with the 7th Sustainment Brigade from Ft. Eustis, Va, are attacking the task head on. In preparation for a joint exercise with the Japan Self-Defense Force planned for January 12, 2014, these watercraft teams are gearing up to display their unique and flexible sustainment capabilities brought to the Asian pacific. Even more impressive than PULSE-W's ability to "enhance...operational capability and overall responsiveness," these crafts are estimated to cut shipping costs by more than $5 million dollars! This training exercise will be the first instance of using watercraft to support exercises within the region.

Aligning this new craft within the G-T-S-R framework, the PULSE-W implementation actively increases the transportation and sustainment components of US Army Pacific. Championing the watercraft's capabilities, Col. Bryant (commander of the 10th RSG) plans to realize the incredible cost savings by keeping the "watercraft in motion," ensuring timely transportation of supplies to streamline sustainment and limit waste. As depicted in the American Civil war and the first major utilization of Railroad systems, technological advancements bring tremendous opportunity for operational capabilities but also their own set of problems. Coordinating efforts in Japan during this training exercise will certainly teach valuable lessons for operations in the future.

Area defense of the Island Chains for China

The importance of success of this training operation goes beyond the scope of the PULSE-W, but includes National Defense implications as the US military has begun a re-balance of force to better account for threats to our nation found within the Asian Pacific.

The United States developed AirSea Battle, a strategy surround this use of Naval and Air assets in a joint effort to break potential anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) defenses, as a battle strategy unspecific for any one country but logic points obviously to China. One could hardly blame China to respond in kind as they continue to develop their military capabilities surrounded around the A2/AD principles.

Either instigating or retaliating against America, China has steadily increased their (A2/AD) capabilities through the development and acquirement of new technology. China's submarine fleet expansion, littoral (coast focused) ships, development of vertical launching capability for different classes of ships, among other developments, all point to drive up the cost of military access to unjustifiable levels for instigating countries, the main principle of A2/AD defense.


Perhaps this PULSE-W platform will prove to be a more peaceful avenue to increase our capabilities within the Asian pacific, without directly threatening a regional power.

Followers wait anxiously for after action reports on the performance of the new addition of the PULSE-W  to US Army Logistics, and the implications it may have.

US Navy's Newest Logistical Asset

Recently, David Axe, the publisher of the popular blog site, "War is Boring," has brought to light the newest addition to the United States Navy's fleet. The Maersk Cragside was built in 2011 and weighs in at approximately at 30,000 tons. At 633 feet, this converted cargo ship now is classified as an airframe carrier as well as a potential home for special operations personnel and high tech-equipment.

Axe cites some of the advantages of this "mothership," to include its ability to travel up to 8,000 miles at its maximum and to only need resupply after 45 days. The length of its trips factored in with such a high number for days without resupply will surely grant this vessel the opportunity to hold troops and become a multifaceted supply/troop carrying beneficiary.


So what does this mean? Why is a brand new ship important to anyone outside of the navy...especially us Army guys who can't stand those "goats."
 

It is simple; speed and size are huge factors in today's combat world. It is comforting to Military Sea-lift Command (MSC) to have a weapon that can travel up to 20 knots in 20 foot seas. It's speed alone coupled with the additional support of possible special operations forces make this ship its own self-functioning war machine.


This vessel will have the capabilities to hold any helicopter that the United States Military has in its arsenal to include the MH-53E ( US Navy Helicopter ). The ship also has a hangar big enough to hold two helicopters for maintenance and is equipped with new state of the art lighting systems that enables the use of night vision goggles to ensure light discipline if placed in an environment where secrecy is required.With regards to its official mission, the MSC has regret to inform the public just yet in hopes to keep the debut of this ship beneath the radar.

The Cragside has been spotted most recently in Valencia Harbor, Italy.









In regards to the G-T-S-R model, this ship bodes well for both transportation and redeployment. Its speed and size will allow troops as well as supplies to be moved from point A to point B quickly and efficiently with it's own crew being self-sufficient for up to 45 days. Its redeployment strategies will also be maximized seeing as it is classified by Axe as, " a floating air base, barracks, and headquarters all in a package that, because it looks like a cargo ship, should be able to avoid easy detection."

Early into World War I, the United States encountered a problem that was virtually new to its striving war efforts...The military had to be supplied from across an ocean! Gone were the days of supplying a force south of the Mason Dixon Line, gone were the days of simple railroad resupply, instead they had to supply a war effort that did not take place in their back yard. From New York Harbor to any of the ports on the Western Coast of France is a whopping 3, 860 or so miles! In the early 1900's that trip was one that would require more than a week or two. The struggle to resupply quickly was one major issue that logisticians faced early into the war and they were desperate for some sort of solution. I am sure some of those captains that made the long haul across the Atlantic wished that they could have navigated with the Maersk Cragside, cruising through storm-sized waves at a mind blowing 25 miles per hour.

Looking forward to the future we can use that little bit of history to foresee how this new creation could change the potential battlefield or in this case...battle ocean. The sleek yet very simple design of taking an old cargo ship that does not turn many heads leads to brand new thought. How could another country know it's true purpose? What are the capabilities of our Special Operations community with such a secretive piece of hardware. People would not see this as a carrier of war but instead a simple cargo ship floating in a port city's harbor. The Maersk Cragside brings forth the new idea of secrecy and deception, something that can help the United State's navy keep control of foreign waters if need be. Aside from its secrecy component, the ship also brings forth the idea of quicker resupply through difficult and more challenging scenarios. The fact that this ship can navigate stormy seas is a dream for those logisticians who had to cancel shipments due to dangerous storms and other weather factors. The upbringing of this ship opens up a brand new realm of transportation, resupply and redeployment.


We will look to the next few months for more details on the Cragside's actual mission and where it is going to help soldiers first.