Sustaining Equipment and the Rapid Acquisition Process: The Forgotten Phase
Abstract
The ability to integrate the acquisition process with sustainment operations during major combat operations (MCO) over the last 10 years in Iraq and Afghanistan fell short of requirements and expectations. To enable the rapid fielding of critical pieces of equipment to the warfighter, the joint force will require advance design planning, continuous monitoring, and more importantly, a system in place well ahead of our next MCO. The intent of this paper is to identify sustainment phase shortfalls in the acquisition process during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) as they relate to equipment fielding during combat operations. The United States Army's senior leader's focus during both OEF and OIF, was, rightfully so, on warfighter needs, technological opportunities, Pre-Systems Acquisition, Systems Acquisition, and not on sustainment, operations, or support. This paper will examine the current Department of Defense (DoD) sustainment systems and the agents responsible within the Army's defense acquisition process and consider options to ensure that we design and implement the right policy, strategy, and sustainment concepts before the next conflict.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 24, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA561513
Entities
People
- Anthony K. Whitson
Organizations
- United States Army War College