NETWORKED LOGISTICS: TURNING THE IRON MOUNTAIN INTO AN IRON NETWORK
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Authors
Lynch, Gregory E.
Subjects
Logistics
Network
Distributed
Marine Corps
Discrete Event Simulation
Modeling
Ruby
Object-Oriented Programming
Design of Experiments
Iron Mountain
Iron Network
Data Farming
survivability
resiliency
efficiency
responsive
maintenance
vehicles
supplies
enemy
Network
Distributed
Marine Corps
Discrete Event Simulation
Modeling
Ruby
Object-Oriented Programming
Design of Experiments
Iron Mountain
Iron Network
Data Farming
survivability
resiliency
efficiency
responsive
maintenance
vehicles
supplies
enemy
Advisors
Sanchez, Susan M.
Date of Issue
2019-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The current Marine Corps logistics structure distributes resources from a central point commonly known as the “Iron Mountain” to combat units throughout the battlespace. The Iron Mountain presents a substantial target for adversaries with precision-guided weapons or large-scale attack capabilities. This study explores the effects of replacing the Iron Mountain with a distributed network of mobile logistics support nodes. This “Iron Network” creates a smaller unpredictable target that is harder to locate while still providing logistics support to combat units.
We create a simulation model to explore the factors affecting the resupply capabilities of an Iron Network and Iron Mountain in terms of time for service, unfulfilled requests, and resource requirements. The major findings of the modeling and simulation analysis indicate that this Iron Network structure is possible, but it requires some specific enablers. Asset and supply level visibility across the network are critical for success, as is responsive global logistical support. The best response times occur when vehicle utilization remains below 40%. Given enough vehicles and an accurate picture of the network’s resources, the Iron Network proves to be 79% faster than the Iron Mountain, while using 22% less vehicles and associated fuel and leaving 94% fewer requests unfulfilled.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Operations Research (OR)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.