A Marine Corps Logistician Examines Logistical Challenges that Prevent the Full Implementation of Logistics Support in the Afghanistan National Army
Abstract
As the withdrawal of U.S combat and coalition forces continues and Afghanistan assumes full responsibility for its future security, logistics remains institutionally immature and ineffective. There are several areas that are inhibiting logistics sustainment to fully mature and preventing Afghanistan from assuming full responsibility in the future. The recruiting pool for combat forces, much less the supporting forces is minimal given the literacy rate in Afghanistan. Prior to 2012, little to no training was provided for support personnel before being assigned to their respective units. A quasi form of policies and procedures has been in place within the Afghan logistics community since the Soviet invasion; this system remains corrupt and inefficient for a developing ANA. Personal and collective experiences along with perspectives from Afghan is show that there are severe deficiencies within the ANA logistics sustainment system that will need continued focus. Developing a sufficient logistics capability has had a low priority relative to the build-up of combat forces in Afghanistan. Afghan soldiers continue to lack proficiency in the model logistics sustainment systems developed by U.S. and coalition forces. This is partially due to the dependence upon the U.S to push equipment and supplies to supported units; this mindset is slowly diminishing with continued advising.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 03, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1175867
Entities
People
- William V. Gorsuch
Organizations
- Marine Corps University