From Supply Chain to Kill Chain

Soldiers assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment conduct gunnery training at the Grafenwohr Training Area

Photo by Orion Magnuson/U.S. Army

Examining the integration of logistics and operational processes enhances combat effectiveness.

Arroyo researchers investigate solutions to the U.S. Army's supply chain and logistics challenges, discvering a variety of strategic and operational issues. One project examines the Army's reliance on commercial rail carriers and evaluates different business models for on-post rail operations to determine if greater reliance on commercial assets could reduce costs. Another study takes a close look at the Army's parts inventory management, suggesting a focus on storage, repair costs, and rebuy risks rather than total dollar value to avoid long-term expenses. Researchers also developed a NIIN-based methodology to assess critical supply chain risks, aiming to help Army Materiel Command mitigate contracting process risks.

Additional projects explore the pivotal role of U.S. Army airborne forces in future missions against hybrid threats, emphasizing the need for new capabilities to address severe threats. Opportunities for efficiency in military medical logistics are identified, including minimizing intermediate handling and optimizing warehouse operations. A separete team draws lessons from the final years of U.S. involvement in Iraq to guide the conclusion of large-scale military operations, emphasizing that no universal template exists. Equipment renewal is highlighted as an imperative, with a focus on analyzing vehicle age and usage to manage maintenance costs. Finally, an assessment of Army deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom reveals the extensive demands placed on the Army, with over 1.5 million troop-years provided as of December 2011.