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In the complex landscape of modern warfare, the ability to sustain operations is paramount. Adversaries are increasingly targeting the U.S. Air Force’s supply chains, infrastructure, and cyberspace, with the objective of degrading military readiness and limiting U.S. power projection capabilities. The U.S. Air Force confronts a multifaceted threat landscape where mission success hinges significantly on overcoming the challenges of its logistics system.
Traditional "pull" logistics systems operate on a reactive basis; supplies are consumed, orders are submitted, and the logistics network responds to fulfill those needs. This model works well in peacetime, allowing for efficient inventory management and cost optimization. However, in times with more disruptions, the inherent delays and vulnerabilities of the pull system become critical liabilities.
To counter these challenges, the Air Force needs proactive logistics strategies that ensure critical resources are ready when and where they are needed. Push Logistics will assist with combating this threat.
Push Logistics is a supply chain strategy where production and distribution are based on forecasts of future demand rather than actual supply orders. Essentially, products are "pushed" through the supply chain based on anticipated needs, rather than being pulled through by demand. This strategy shifts logistics from being reactive to proactive, enabling the Air Force to optimize operations and ensure sustainment. Additionally, during periods of high demand or disruptions, proactively positioning resources closer to the point of need will reduce reliance on already strained supply chains.
Preparing now for disruptions from limited communications, interrupted transportation systems, or infrastructure failures is critical. Developing a USAF Push Logistics concept of operations to be employed in contested environments, home or away, will minimize materiel resupply delays and ensure mission generation.
To refine Push Logistics in degraded environments, the Air Force has conducted exercises to identify gaps and validate the concept.
In January, the U.S. Air Force Directorate of Logistics partnered with the MITRE Corporation to lead a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) with over 50 experts from the Air Force and Defense Logistics Agency. The exercise simulated scenarios involving communication breakdowns, IT failures, and power outages, revealing vulnerabilities in logistics processes both at home and overseas. During a follow-on TTX in April, subject matter experts from across the joint force, wholesale and retail supply, and transportation specialties convened to discuss programmatic and IT infrastructure challenges to the Push Logistics concept. This also entailed delving into challenges associated with major transportation muscle movements and cyber connectivity in a degraded environment.
Kim Brown, former Air Force Deputy Director for Logistics, current Director of Logistics, Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, highlighted the importance of these exercises, saying, “The TTX was incredibly successful. It sparked great discussions among participants and demonstrated that many organizations are thinking through their playbook and plan for limited communications, IT, and power disruptions. Some organizations are further along than others, but there is still work to be done.”
Insights from the TTX are driving the development of a comprehensive concept of operations to address logistics gaps and ensure mission continuity. Key stakeholders, including warfighter commands and the Defense Logistics Agency, are now working together to implement the concept of Push Logistics across the Air Force.
The Air Force faces a clear and present danger from adversaries seeking to potentially exploit vulnerabilities when they arise. Push Logistics offers a vital defense against these threats. Headquarters Air Force Director of Logistics is spearheading this initiative, collaborating with MITRE and other partners to build a scalable logistics playbook that can adapt to evolving challenges. Their efforts aim to create a resilient logistics enterprise that ensures operational readiness even in the toughest conditions.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.03.2025 14:37 |
| Story ID: | 547047 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 86 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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