兰德-Developing-a-Repeatable-Methodology-to-Calculate-Retrograde-Planning-Factors_123页_3mb

报告摘要

Summary of "Developing a Repeatable Methodology to Calculate Retrograde Planning Factors"

Core Content

This report outlines the development of a repeatable methodology for calculating retrograde planning factors, which are essential for accurate logistics planning in military operations. The methodology was created to address the inefficiencies and underestimations in retrograde planning that have plagued the U.S. Army over the past decade. By analyzing real-world data from operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Operation New Dawn (OND), and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the report provides a comprehensive understanding of the retrograde process and its associated activities.

Main Objectives

The primary goals of the study were:

To identify and document retrograde requirements and data sources
To develop a repeatable methodology for generating accurate retrograde planning factors
To improve workload estimates for retrograde operations
To enhance the integration of retrograde planning into the Total Army Analysis (TAA) process

Key Findings

Retrograde Planning Factors: These factors are critical for estimating the workload involved in the return of materiel through the distribution system, including turn-in, classification, preparation, packing, transportation, and shipping.
Data Sources: The methodology relies on data from systems such as the Standard Army Retail Supply System (SARSS), Standard Army Ammunition System Modernization (SAAS-MOD), and the Worldwide Ammunition Reporting System (WARS).
Current Retrograde Structure: The report maps the retrograde distribution system, identifying key organizations such as Theater Supply Support Activities (SSAs), Regional Retention SSAs, and Tactical SSAs, along with their associated functions.
Retrograde by Class: Different classes of supply contribute differently to retrograde. Class IX is the largest contributor due to its high proportion of repairable items, while Class V involves ammunition and has a significant oversupply at lower levels.
Workload Estimation: The methodology improves workload estimates by considering all sources of retrograde, including local excess, authorized stockage list (ASL) reviews, found on installation (FOI), maintenance, and redeployment.
Limitations: Due to data constraints, Class VII and Classes I, VI, X, and XIII were not included in the planning factors. Additionally, the impact of the Global Combat Support System-Army (GCSS-Army) on these factors is yet to be determined.

Methodology Development

The methodology was developed through the following steps:

Mapping the Retrograde Process: The current retrograde process in Iraq and Afghanistan was mapped to identify all work activities.
Data Collection: Data sources were identified to measure retrograde workload, and data gaps were analyzed.
Methodology Creation: A repeatable method was developed to generate accurate planning factors.
Expert Consultation: Subject matter experts were consulted to assess data shortcomings and provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current retrograde system.
Implementation and Results: The methodology was implemented, and planning factors were generated based on the data, leading to more accurate retrograde estimates.

Key Support Activities

The retrograde process involves several key support activities, including:

Theater SSA: Responsible for managing Classes II, IIIP, IV, and IX.
Regional Retention SSAs: Help manage the retention of materiel within the theater.
Tactical SSAs: Handle the direct return of materiel from units.
Theater Storage Area (TSA): Manages ammunition storage and transfer.
Ammunition Supply Points (ASPs) and Ammunition Transfer Holding Points (ATHPs): Involved in the movement and processing of ammunition.
Redistribution Property Assistance Teams (RPATs): Handle Class VII retrograde.
Customs Inspection: Performed by U.S. military police.
Cross Docking and Consolidation: Managed by central receiving and shipping points.

Class-Specific Retrograde Insights

Class IX: Represents the largest share of retrograde due to its high proportion of repairable items. It accounts for 78% of customer issues by weight and includes 41% unserviceable and 37% serviceable materiel.
Classes II, IIIP, and IV: These classes are mostly serviceable and contribute 23% of customer issues by weight at the tactical level.
Class V: Involves ammunition, with ASPs and ATHPs receiving 123% of customer issues over time. The rate of retrograde from ATHPs is 10%, while from ASPs it is 4%.
Class VII: Not included in the planning factors due to data limitations, but it is a significant component of retrograde.

Areas for Improvement

Data Limitations: The lack of comprehensive data has hindered the development of accurate planning factors for certain classes, such as Class VII.
Need for Formalization: Many nondoctrinal elements, such as regional retention SSAs and theater ammunition reclamation facilities, play a critical role in retrograde but are not well formalized in doctrine.
Future Work: The methodology should be extended to include the final years of the Afghanistan conflict and the withdrawal phase. Additionally, the impact of GCSS-Army on these factors needs further investigation.

Conclusion

This report provides a robust methodology for developing and maintaining retrograde planning factors, which is essential for improving the accuracy of logistics planning. By incorporating real-world data and identifying key support activities, the methodology helps the Army better estimate retrograde workload and optimize its logistics footprint. The results indicate that previous estimates significantly underestimated the retrograde workload, particularly due to supply chain inefficiencies and changes in demand and operational tempo. The methodology also emphasizes the importance of considering all sources of retrograde, not just those directly issued to units, in order to provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of the logistics process.

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