The Russia-Ukraine war has presented unique challenges in military logistics, transforming it into a significant concern for the U.S. Army. Supply trucks and depots are increasingly vulnerable due to an ongoing barrage of drones and long-range munitions, forcing logistic units to navigate a perilous environment when resupplying front-line troops.
Historically, U.S. Army logisticians relied on the Air Force to protect them from aerial threats. This reliance is now under scrutiny, as the conflict underscores that being behind the front lines does not guarantee protection from enemy attacks. Captain Stephanie Torres highlighted the change in dynamics when she stated, “The assumption that logistics operates in the safety of a rear area is no longer valid.” She emphasized that sustainment formations are now targeted with the same precision as combat units.
To counter the evolving threats, supply units need to adopt a mindset typically associated with combat units. Torres, in her essay for Army Sustainment magazine, pointed out that drones have expanded the battlefield significantly, creating a “vast kill zone” that extends up to 20 miles away from the front lines. She noted that Russian forces have adeptly used drones for surveillance, launching lethal strikes against Ukrainian supply columns.
The need for logistic units to remain undetected is paramount in this new operational context. Torres suggested that supply units must minimize their electromagnetic and physical signatures, employing strategies such as camouflage and low-signature delivery platforms. This new approach necessitates a complete overhaul of logistics training, where sustainment troops are exposed to contested environments with persistent drone surveillance.
For logistics units to defend themselves effectively, they must have equipment comparable to that of maneuver units. Torres stressed the importance of embedding counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) within supply formations to protect against drone threats. However, she pointed out that resources for such countermeasures are limited, often prioritized for direct combat units.
Torres argued that an evolution in the Army’s logistics system is essential. This evolution would include a shift from fixed supply hubs to decentralized, autonomous units that can quickly adapt and respond to changing operational needs. The logistics convoys should also be flexible to minimize detection risks, responding dynamically to the movement of combat units.
Additionally, improving logistical efficiency can bolster protection for supply units. Torres proposed that excess inventory should be regularly returned to safer locations, as excess items can hinder mobility. Drawing from her experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq, she asserted that flexibility and speed are critical for successful sustainment operations.
Embracing commercial best practices, such as just-in-time logistics, can also enhance military logistics. Torres advocated for the use of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve logistical efficiency, suggesting that these methods could lead to leaner operations that are more agile and, consequently, more survivable in contested environments.
Ultimately, Torres concluded that military leaders must rethink logistics in the context of modern warfare. They need to consider whether their formations can displace under threat, if supplies are being effectively managed, and if training is sufficiently rigorous to prepare for sustained operations under fire.
