Developing a Repeatable Methodology to Calculate Retrograde Planning Factors
Abstract
To field a force capable of efficient and continuous two-way operations, the Army must have a process for accurately planning the movement or return of serviceable and unserviceable materiel back through the distribution system. Bottlenecks and stockpiles should be minimized, in-demand unserviceable items should be rapidly repaired when economically appropriate, and the support footprint should be optimized. Accurate retrograde planning factors, based on actual contingency operations, enable retrograde planning and thereby help ensure retrograde capabilities are considered in the force flow. To derive these factors, first, data sources for measuring the retrograde flow of Army materiel and supplies from forward operating units to intermediate bases, the theater support base, and to the continental United States must be found. Second, retrograde requirements must be identified and documented. Lastly, a reliable methodology for deriving retrograde planning factors must be established and maintained. An Arroyo project, Retrograde Planning Factors Derived from Current Operations, set out to establish a repeatable methodology for developing and maintaining retrograde planning factors to assist logistics planners in calculating retrograde estimates for multiphase operation plans and operation orders. This report describes the development of that methodology and presents updated retrograde planning factors resulting from its application. The body of this report should be of interest and utility to Army logisticians and leadership involved in retrograde or determining support force structure requirements. A more-technical audience will be particularly interested in the appendixes, which include data definitions, tables of organizational elements, and detailed planning factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA624453
Entities
People
- Arthur Lackey
- Bonnie Magnuson
- Cheryl Kravchuck
- Kenneth J. Girardini
- Kristan Klinghoffer
Organizations
- RAND Corporation