Sustenance programs during the course of operation Iraqi freedom were very crucial towards general success of the entire operation. Although the involved compact operations were greatly successful, they faced a number of logistic challenges which were solved through the assistance of the logistics support (Peltz, 2005). The challenges may have resulted from a combination of several factors. First, the risk was not expected to go beyond normal human expectations, something that implied potential challenges against more serious adversaries in events of major disruptions to the logistical operations. Secondly, separating issues concerned with logistic processes and resources from other OIF planning facets such as tactical communication difficulties or intelligence issues is very crucial in designing future operational concepts and force designs.
It is therefore evident that, without the logistic support provided to OIF the operation would have encountered more serious consequences in sustainment issues. In order to assess the success of the logistical support, one is required to understand how the logistic challenges translate to operational effects which in turn act as future improvement drives. This study will systematically analyze the underlying reasons that led to the logistical for the challenges (Peltz, 2005). The system did not work well since it lacked a number of enablers such as insufficient loading buildings within the United States continental. In addition it also lacked good in-transit supply visibility. The DBL system lacked very critical elements and the few that were present had a lot of problems that could only be solved using superhuman efforts.
Distribution based logistic refers to the ability to provide adequate supply so as to cover consumption between replenishments using limited inventory to cover all sorts of small disruptions. Reliance is primarily placed on reliable, frequent distribution rather than on very large stockpiles. The OIF combat operations roughly used this approach in distributing its substance material. Observations from the OIF revealed that the DBL system, in most instances may not be very comfortable among troops and army commanders especially in cases where they were not exposed to it earlier during previous deployment operations and trainings.
OIF faced challenges in obtaining required fuel supplies. Unlike with other types of supplies, shortages in fuel cannot be solved without creating significant changes in the operational plan. Fuel received great emphasis in the planning and preparation stage compared to other forms of supply. It was also very easy for the planners to identify the right amount of fuel needed for distribution in the farms, unlike other classes of supply which had a lot of challenges. The more variable and complex, the demand of a certain supply class is, the more critical its determination becomes. In the case of OIF, there was a very high correlation between supply class complexity and the effectiveness of distribution and supply.
Performance of dry cargo distribution during the course of major combat operations failed to meet the expected standards. The materials consumed were not replenished to the desired and expected level and were ordered on demand. In addition, limited visibility and distribution inconsistency of on-hand supplies and in-transit coupled with low stock levels raised anxiousness among the commanders and this could have affected decision making process (Peltz, 2005). The military personnel morale was greatly affected by distribution challenges created through extension of the operations stability. The soldiers lacked sufficient gears and faced a lot of disappointments due to delays in spare parts delivery.
References
Peltz, E.K.(2005). Sustainment of Army forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom: battlefield logistics and effects on operations. New York, NY: Rand Corporation. Web.