Force XXI Logistics: Company-Grade, Multifunctional Logisticians; Setting The Conditions For Success

摘要

As the Chief of Staff of the Army approves the implementation of the redesign of the Army Of Excellence (AGE) into the Conventional Heavy Division Redesign (CHDR) or, better known as, the Force XXI (FXXI) Division, the ramifications to the tactical logistician are tremendous. The maneuver forces will be smaller, more maneuverable, and more dispersed. Information technologies will have to be leveraged by a more centralized logistical system that is based upon distribution or just-in-time logistics, not supply based, just-in-case logistics. The fielding and effective utilization of these information systems will be critical to the success of the logistician. The FXXI design with the implementation of a more centralized and distribution-based system, reorganizes the Forward Support Battalion (FSB). This reorganization takes the modularity of the FSB one step lower and creates Forward Support Companies (FSC) that support each maneuver battalion in the division. A bold step that now combines organizational and direct support capabilities at the FSB level across the logistical functions requires trained multifunctional logisticians at the company grade level. Historically, the Army, as an institution, has not trained multifunctional logisticians until the senior captain or field grade level. The Combined Logistics Officer Advanced course (CLOAC) is provided only for captains. Logistical enablers will be required to leverage the limited experience of these young officers. These facts offer serious dilemmas to the FSB commander who is required to ensure that the FSC commander is effective in his or her support to the maneuver battalion. The monograph concludes that the FSB commander must be prudent when assigning officers to the FSC.