Marines Tackle Modern Logistics Challenges in Warfare

The United States Marine Corps is addressing the complexities of logistics in modern warfare, focusing on contested logistics spaces and employing creative solutions to ensure operational success. This approach draws from historical lessons and is influenced by current global dynamics.

Historical Context and Modern Adaptations

Logistics has long been a critical component of military strategy. Napoleon famously highlighted its importance, a sentiment that remains relevant as military forces adapt to contemporary challenges. The concept of contested logistics, though not new, has gained urgency due to improvements in Chinese logistics capabilities, which pose a strategic challenge to the United States.

The Guadalcanal campaign during World War II serves as a historical example where logistics played a pivotal role. Japanese forces relied on destroyers and floating drums for resupply, while American forces utilized submarines for transporting supplies. These historical precedents underscore the significance of logistics in warfare.

Framework of Marine Corps Logistics

The Marine Corps operates under a framework of six logistics functions: supply, transportation, maintenance, engineering, health support, and services. These functions encompass a wide range of activities crucial for effective military operations.

Supply involves the provision of essential items such as food and replacement parts, while transportation focuses on the timely delivery of these supplies. Maintenance ensures that equipment is repaired and ready for reuse. General engineering contributes to building survivability positions, enhancing the resilience of forces in contested areas. Health service support is analogous to maintaining equipment but focuses on personnel well-being.

Technological Integration and Modern Challenges

In modern warfare, balancing automation and human expertise is a significant challenge. Cybersecurity concerns and ethical issues also demand attention. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning aims to streamline logistics processes, as emphasized by Gen. Ed Daly, who highlights the need for speed in achieving relevance.

AI and machine learning facilitate predictive analytics, optimizing the distribution of personnel and equipment. Proactive maintenance driven by AI reduces unscheduled downtime, while real-time data analysis enhances decision-making and supply chain visibility. These advancements contribute to timely supply delivery and effective forecasting of supply demands, ultimately supporting military effectiveness.

Innovative Solutions and Future Directions

The Marine Corps is employing innovative solutions such as drones to address logistics challenges in modern warfare. Traditional slow-moving ships are being replaced by drones and strategically placed supply caches. Prepositioned stocks and the increased use of drones indicate progress in adapting to modern demands.

Efforts to modernize logistics are part of the Force Design 2030 initiative, which incorporates lessons from the Ukrainian battlefield. This initiative involves plans for enhanced drone usage, improved AI for inventory management, and expanded 3D printing capabilities. There is also a focus on revamping logistics training and medical care to meet future needs.

One of the prominent challenges is achieving global logistics awareness. Testing of the Autonomous Low-Profile Vessel, inspired by narco-submarine designs, is underway, along with the deployment of six Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System drones capable of carrying 150 pounds over nine miles. Future drone models aim to transport significantly larger loads, with medium drones expected to carry between 300 to 600 pounds.

The establishment of the first prepositioned-stocks site in Subic Bay, with more planned across the Pacific, reflects strategic placement near supply areas. The 3rd Marine Logistics Group is experimenting with shipping methods, including the deployment of Role Two medical supplies in the field. This effort requires around 23,000 pounds of supplies and approximately 12 trucks for shipment, highlighting the need to reduce equipment load and power requirements.