Can the USMC Support Bulk Liquids Requirements in a Ship to Objective Maneuver Environment

摘要

Supply, specifically bulk liquids, will be the lynch pin that cripples the STOM concept's ability to adequately address how logistics support will be rendered to the combat elements. Operational Maneuver from the Sea's implementing concept of Ship to Objective Maneuver is dependent on a sea based logistic concept to support it. Bulk liquids will be one of the major logistics requirements needed by the Ground Combat Element during operations ashore. Traditional methods of near shore off loading and logistics dumps ashore will no longer exist. Ship to Objective Maneuver scenarios will most likely be resupplied by air. New innovative ways to support the Ground Combat Element must be conceived, tested, procured and implemented, if this concept is going to work. Not yet determined is the size and composition of the Ground Combat Element. Personnel and equipment will both require a minimum daily supply of bulk liquids. This day of supply will be directly competing for aircraft availability with other classes of supply that the Ground Combat Elements need for maneuver. Currently, the USMC does not possess a credible fly in bulk liquids capability that will work within the Ship to Objective Maneuver scenario. Adding to this lack of capability is a requirements system that has yet to produce a requirement or revalidate an existing one to support Ship to Objective Maneuver. This void in new direction has required the Marine Corps procurement process to continue buying to the old standard. Some of the procurement programs currently underway, such as the Expanded Capability Vehicle, have the potential to be part of the Ship to Objective Maneuver logistics solution, but need a requirement to direct it.