Performance-Oriented Logistics Assessment (POLA): Relating Logistics Functional Capacities to Resources and Costs
Abstract
The Performance-Oriented Logistics Assessment (POLA) project was intended to develop a prototype methodology to help build the logistics portion of the Army's 5-year program. When building its program, the Army first estimates a requirement for each resource, but the price of satisfying all requirements always greatly exceeds the amount the Army can spend. Thus, the Army must next decide how much of each requirement not to satisfy. The Army has always made these decisions on somewhat arbitrary grounds, for it has never succeeded in developing tools that would systematically rate different resources -- intended to support disparate functions -- on common scales. The POLA methodology attempts to rectify this lack of estimating effects on combat performance of alternative investments in logistics resources. Combat performance is measured in terms of forward line of troops (FLOT) movement, Red and Blue weapons engaged and attrited, and Red and Blue resources consumed and personnel lost. Logistics resources considered include stocks of ammunition, petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL); war reserve equipment; and replacement personnel. Also considered are resources that increase Combat Service Support (CSS) capacities, such as capacities to handle ammunition, transport dry cargo, etc. The POLA methodology has been implemented as a "tool kit" of many small models, rather than as a single comprehensive model. The Logistics Decision Model (LDM) is a central component. LDM estimates the effects of logistics improvements on combat performance. It simulates the ways that Red and Blue combat forces are influenced by CSS capacities and logistics resources. But by itself, LDM cannot do all that is required of the POLA methodology. In addition, dollar costs of these resources must be estimated and cases for analysis must be built. This Note discusses the supporting models and procedures needed to accomplish these tasks.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA260637
Entities
People
- James H. Bigelow
- Robert L. Petruschell
- Thomas R. Martin
Organizations
- RAND Corporation