FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
In response to increasingly complex and asymmetric battlefield environments, new strategies are being advanced to recalibrate how logistics enable warfighter readiness and operational agility.
The Campaign of Learning burst paper, "Just Enough Logistics: Shifting the Logistics Paradigm," authored by Defense Logistics Agency Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly and Army Lt. Col. Daniel Marvin with the DLA Director’s Strategic Initiatives Group, outlines a new approach to military sustainment. The proposed “just enough” logistics model offers a more resilient and adaptable framework, differing from traditional paradigms of stockpiling or just-in-time delivery.
Over the past decades, supply chain models such as “just-in-time” and “just-in-case” have struggled to keep pace with a rapidly evolving global threat environment, the authors explain.
“Recent events such as the global COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rising geopolitical trade tensions with China have exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on offshore production and supply to provide essential warfighting resources,” Simerly and Marvin write.
Traditional stockpiling approaches, while safeguarding against certain disruptions, often result in high costs, diminished flexibility and increased battlefield risk due to cumbersome excess inventory, according to the paper.
To address these modern battlefield challenges, the paper proposes a paradigm shift.
“‘Just enough’ logistics differs from traditional models in a commercial setting, factoring in a much higher and diverse operational risk in a military environment,” Simerly and Martin write. “This approach offers a more resilient, efficient and adaptable logistics solution, enabling forces to operate effectively in complex and unpredictable environments. The approach revolves around smart preparedness, focusing resources where they are needed most and leveraging technology to enhance visibility and responsiveness”.
Key components of the “just enough” model include:
- Using data and artificial intelligence for dynamic demand forecasting
- Decentralized and interoperable systems for real-time supply chain visibility and control
- Use of advanced maintenance strategies, from predictive analytics to 3D printing in forward locations, minimizing reliance on long supply chains
- Tiered readiness and pre-positioned stocks, prioritizing resources for critical, important and support items
- Robust cybersecurity to defend digital logistics networks
The paper also emphasizes strong partnerships across the defense industrial base and with private industry. They describe partnerships with industry to improve supply chain health and strategically executing acquisitions that focus on priorities.
The authors describe adopting a “just enough” logistics mindset to allow the Department of War to unburden warfighters of excess equipment while supporting the military services’ transformation efforts. They note that the mindset will enable adaptable solutions to complex sustainment challenges at a speed that has not been seen since World War II.
This shift the paper describes promises greater operational resilience, agility and a decisive edge in any contested environment.
Read the full paper in Loglines Magazine.