Sustainable Forward Operating Bases
Abstract
Current United States military contingency operations underscore a need for more sustainable forward operating bases (FOBs). FOBs have been vital in supporting the expeditionary and campaign capabilities of the U.S. military, but building and sustaining FOBs have incurred significant costs in terms of both dollars spent and lives lost. This report attempts to characterize current FOB design and operations as a first step towards developing more sustainable FOBs. It is intended as an overview to guide initial discussions and assist SERDP in identifying potential research investments. The scope of this report is limited to a survey of primary FOB sustainability concerns and includes discussion of FOB types, elements of planning and sustainment, force protection, food, water, wastewater, fuel and power, and solid waste. By reducing the amount of support materiel needed, designing more sustainable FOBs will have a direct impact on logistics costs, potential casualties, and U.S. combat force effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 21, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA571503