Logistics support requirements: a case analysis of the Tactical Quiet Generator

Abstract

Recent trends in technological advances have resulted in the commercial sector leading the military sector in many areas of technological development. As a result, there are many readily available components and end items that can be designed, integrated and assembled into military hardware that will satisfy the stringent requirements of the tactical battlefield. Use of commercial or non. developmental items compresses the overall acquisition time, but currently reduces time available for logistics planning and preparation. The result is new systems being fielded without the necessary support structure in place. Proper use of warranties, Contractor Logistics Support, and Prime Vendor support might improve equipment readiness and ensure the gap is bridged between a newly fielded system and a mature supply support system for optimum benefit to the Department of Defense (DoD) and the taxpayer. Good logistics support planning in the early phases of the acquisition process will reduce the life cycle costs and increase operational availability. Applying these approaches to the Tactical Quiet Generator (TQG) would seem to provide significant benefit and offer other acquisition and logistics professionals valuable insights into the planning of future support arrangements