An analysis of USMC heavy construction equipment (HCE) requirements

Abstract

According to I and L, HQMC, the Marine Corps needs to re-evaluate current operational requirements for engineer construction equipment. Acquisition and force allocation levels for equipment have remained essentially at constant 1970's, Cold War levels. Because acquisition and allocation levels haven't changed at the same rate as personnel, there is a perception that much of the existing equipment is unnecessary. Impacts for supporting too much equipment are decreased readiness, increased maintenance requirements, and increased O and M costs. The objective of our MBA project is to identify the correct quantity of construction equipment required to support the future needs of the USMC, focusing on unit training and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployment cycles. This study will also evaluate the cost effectiveness of various alternatives for supplying the right amount and mix of CE to support contingencies via the civilian industrial base (lease/purchase decision factors, as well as domestic/international supplier issues). Our group will perform a review of USMC CE acquisition history to determine how the Marines have procured engineer equipment. Additionally, we will determine the annual volume of equipment that has been purchased or otherwise procured from industrial sources and the expected life cycle of existing equipment owned by the Marine Corps. With this information, we will assess the ability and willingness of suppliers worldwide to provide needed equipment for replacement of expired gear or in support of emergent contingencies. Our objectives are to determine the correct amount and mix of construction equipment to maintain at the Battalion level and to identify some cost effective alternatives for supporting battalion operations and training requirements.