Army Acquisition: Palletized Load System Acquisition Quantity Overstated.
Abstract
The Army had reduced the PLS acquisition quantity to reflect the approved force structure reduction from 28 to 20 divisions. However, the requirements are still predicated on outdated threat assumptions that envisioned warfare against the Soviet-Warsaw Pact in Central Europe. This threat was always considered the most intense and demanding conflict that U.S. forces could face. With regional conflicts now considered the more likely threat to the United States, PLS requirements may drop further to reflect lower anticipated ammunition consumption rates. Similarly, the need for Pre-Positioning of Materiel Configured to United Sets (POMCUS) stored at European sites may be reduced. While the PLS acquisition quantity had been adjusted to reflect approved force structure reductions, it includes 450 trucks, 30 trailers, and 2,480 demountable cargo beds costing $141 million for requirements that are not appropriate based on their planned use. These PLSs are being acquired to support National Guard and Army reserve artillery battalions that will use these PLSs for a limited time until their 8-inch self-propelled howitzer artillery is replaced by the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRs), that uses the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) for ammunition resupply and a requirement to equip two planned Cadre Divisions that is inconsistent with the concept to equip these low priority units with earlier-generation systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA291111
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office