Summary: The Future Development of Military Logistics
A system-theoretical/system-steered approach based on the example of the Swiss Army - a possible model
Paul Meinrad Strässle
Swiss Army Logistics is undergoing a profound transformation process, due to a new Swiss security policy and a new task spectrum for the army. It is to become an efficient dynamic system of centrally controlled processes following strict principles and to guarantee increase and reduction as needed, permanent supply capacity, and the autonomy of the system.
This kind of all-encompassing integrated logistics requires, among other things, utmost flexibility, mobility, standardization, module orientation, effectiveness, and easy handling. Aside from political and military impositions, it is to follow modern management principles striving for efficiency and optimization.
Swiss Army Logistics is a principle-based dynamic system of processes and services aimed at in-time, in-place, and need-oriented supply so that the customer finds the best possible conditions for carrying out any task with guaranteed sustainability.
The technical part of the system, comprised of supply, production, and distribution, is the underlying management concept of Swiss Army Logistics. Supply includes all activities enabling the troops to carry out their tasks.
Logistic command and control is based on a network of various infrastructures that break down into the sub-systems/processes of planning and development, production and procurement.
Production comprises processes and procedures of storage, maintenance (including medical and veterinary services, maintenance management, safety, and protection), and provision. Distribution comprises planning, devising and monitoring distribution and transport of assets from storage sites to consumers. It includes all activities concerning transshipment and transport along the logistic chain from the provider to the consumer as well as all activities within the production sites. Therefore, delivery is a great challenge with regard to organization and means of communication.
Swiss Army Logistics is organized as a step-by-step system, i.e. planning, issuance of orders, and coordination. Centralizing logistic elements as of brigade level meets the requirements of having only a few command echelons, of having fast horizontal and vertical communication as well as of mobility and flexibility. Decentralizing vital logistic bases with large inventories also meets the needs of protection against potential threats and will help to prevent a total collapse of logistic capabilities.
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