French Land Forces Support:Looking For the Best Business Models

11/15/2009
IN THE EYE OF THE HURRICANE This article follows one published in the September-October 2008 Issue of Military Logistics International and  entitled “In the Eye of the Hurricane: French Army Support on the Move” [See pages 29 to 34]. The latter described the broad range of reforms under way within the…

Is the MRAP Acquisition a Model for Acquisition, Rapid or Otherwise?

11/08/2009
Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles were rapidly acquired based upon an undeniable urgent operational requirement.  In short, the rapid fielding of MRAPs was an absolute necessity.  The use of improvised explosive devices in Iraq and beyond had become a clear threat after several years in the Iraqi theater.  And,…

ECATS: Pioneering Outsourcing In French Pilot Training

10/26/2009
In June 2009, ECATS celebrated its 50,000 flying hours at Le Bourget and has been pioneering a new approach in outsourcing training services’ support, which is now being duplicated and expanded accross France. This report focuses on such a “success story” by attempting to provide an overlook of the lessons learned ever…

NATO HIP Helicopter Task Force Gets Momentum

10/25/2009
On October 23rd, 2009 during the NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Bratislava,  nine NATO Allies signed a declaration of intent to contribute to the Czech-lead initiative to develop a multi-national transport helicopter programme for NATO (see: HIP helicopter initiative) and facilitate in-theater deployment of  these  much-needed air assets. The nine countries…

Rotorcraft and Military Operations

10/21/2009
Rotorcraft are significant contributors to military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.  They provide combat support, logistical lift, troop transport, medivac, and integrated C4ISR for the battlefield.  The Iraq conditions have provided significant stress on the fleet and the need to provide engineering and maintenance solutions for operating in sand, heat…

Crafting Logistics Innovation for the US Navy: SEA 21 Shapes a New Approach to Modernization and Maintenance

09/24/2009
[caption id="attachment_408" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="A multi-national naval force, including the San Antonio class-amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde, USS Doyle, USCGC Mohawk, the Colombian navy frigate ARC Independiente, the Dutch navy auxiliary ship HMNLS Amsterdam, and the Uruguayan navy frigate General Artigas, underway in formation as part of FuerzasAliadas…