Defence logistics: an important research field in need of researchers

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the defence logistics special issue and to provide an overview of the contribution to defence logistics research of each of the papers contained therein. A review of the field of defence logistics is offered, together with a discussion of the historical and contemporary issues that have confronted researchers and practitioners. Current research is described, and a research agenda is proposed. Design/methodology/approach-The editorial provides a conceptual discussion of defence logistics as it has been studied in the past and is being studied in the present, and a reflection on the ways in which past research can usefully inform future research agendas. Findings-In light of the current state of defence logistics research and the anticipated characteristics of future combat operations, the paper highlights areas where academic research has the potential to make a significant contribution in the development and choice of alternative approaches in the provision of defence logistics Research limitations/implications-A future research agenda is proposed that is informed by recent transformations in the conduct of warfare, as well as through anticipated changes in the global strategic landscape. Comparisons are made between defence logistics operations and their commercial counterparts to illustrate where there may be opportunities for adaptation based on the underlying similarities. Originality/value-This paper discusses the major threads and themes of defence logistics research as a discipline, highlights the changing landscape of conflict in the 21 st Century and provides a future research agenda for those working in the field.

Supporting High-Technology Systems During Periods of Extended Life-Cycles by Means of Integrated Logistics Support

“…Defence logistics research was already being published in peer-reviewed journals during the 1950s [12]. In their research, Yoho, Rietjens and Tatham searched for the terms "defence logistics", "military logistics" and "defense logistics" in key words, titles, abstracts and texts, and found 276 peer-reviewed journal articles between 1952 and 2010.…”

Bayesian belief network for assessing impact of factors on army’s lean–agile replenishment system

“…In order to optimize military logistics, the requirements of the military must be balanced with the budget. Yoho et al (2013) underlined the requirement for further research that explores the tension between massing too much and becoming too lean, as well as understanding how resilience may be achieved at the lowest possible economic cost.…”

“…This "massing of large quantities of material […] provide[s] a buffer against uncertainty", but it has invited a "fierce criticism of the creation of these iron mountains". There is some academic research "that explores the tension between massing too much and becoming too lean" (Yoho et al 2013). Essig et al (2010) highlight that the military logisticians are "confronted with the pressure to ensure efficiency while, at the same time, taking into consideration the pressure to ensure operational effectiveness".…”

“…It aims at achieving operational results rather than economic results. The interest of defence, and, by extension, defence logistics, is […] "to advance the effectiveness and efficiency of the military", whose duty is to protect and defend the public interest and the long-term security of the State (Yoho et al 2013). Military logistics in the past have been following the concept of "just in case" stocking of supplies.…”

“…However, the armed forces must transition to a posture in which effectiveness is paramount and cost a secondary consideration when the country goes to war (Kovacs and Tatham 2009). This transition "from an efficient (peacetime) to an effective (wartime) posture (and back again)" also needs to be very quick (Yoho et al 2013). In effect, we need the military logistics chain to work in both the modes (lean and agile) at different times and have the capability to make this switch without delay.…”