Combat Service Support Transformation: Emerging Strategies for Making the Power Projection Army a Reality

Publication Date: January 2003

Publisher: RAND Corporation

Author(s): Steven Hartman; John Halliday; Eric Peltz

Research Area: Military and defense

Type: Brief

Abstract:

The Army has embarked on a transformation effort to make rapid, decisive power projection capabilities a reality. Transforming CSS is essential if this transformation is to be a success. This briefing (1) describes the five strategies the CSS community is applying to reach the CSS transformation power projection goals of reduced footprint and faster deployment times; (2) presents metrics for assessing progress toward these goals; (3) uses these metrics to evaluate the effect of CSS initiatives executed to date; and (4) reviews the initiatives that have been identified as necessary to employ the identified strategies. The five strategies are: spartan support in maneuver units, the use of distribution-based logistics, improved deployment capabilities, forward positioning, and demand reduction. Spartan support, distribution-based logistics, and demand reduction concepts have been applied to Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) and division designs, producing cuts of about 50 percent in SBCT footprint and deployment times, as well as smaller cuts at the division level. The authors note, however, that these designs are still being refined; some of the requirements that will enable spartan support and distribution-based logistics to provide the intended operational capabilities are still being fully developed, resourced, and implemented.