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."
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.
Operation Desert Farewell certainly has provided valuable lessons for the draw down in Afghanistan, but it is heartening to see the involvement of the specialized private sector in this process. Our time in Afghanistan has been of a much larger magnitude and duration than that of Desert Storm, and recent lessons learned of the effects of a Logistical Snowball allude to the enormity of the task. The impact of friction and inefficiencies build upon themselves in the form of supporting civilian and military personnel alike for the duration of the war, coupled with the expansion of the logistical network and its assumed loss factor, creates a imposing task for the draw down. Hopefully the innovative civilian sector will be able to continue to facilitate and increase efficiency during the redeployment process.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely will be a more complicated process in Afghanistan. The fact that the operation must take into account factors such as the volume of material and geography of Afghanistan. Lean Six Sigma will surely be a great addition to planning for the draw down of troops and supplies from the theater. Also hopefully it will allow the Army to determine what needs to be brought back and what must be destroyed upon completion of the mission.
ReplyDeleteWhile Lean Six Sigma is a valuable resource for the military, it is also important to note the difficulty in achieving any of the LSS certifications. The Army has a great program for obtaining the training necessary and hopefully Soldiers trained in LSS will be continue to provide valuable input into making the Army a more efficient and effective force. LSS can also be utilized in the deployment of forces elsewhere if needed based on the future needs of the military, which will provide cost saving measures that will be very important to the needs of a downsizing nation.
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