Dominant Logistics
Small Unit Support Operations
Many military activities are performed by small units spread out over great distances. But even these types of formations require resupply operations. Moreover, these resupply operations tend to be very critical as the small units cannot carry nearly as much as conventional units. These forces require much smaller quantities of supplies delivered more often than traditional military units.
There is a civilian company in the United States that specializes in delivering goods on this type of a schedule - Federal Express. They specialize in delivering modest packages to anywhere in the nation, overnight. This is exactly the type of support that Special Operations units require. Consequently, instead of reinventing the wheel, it would be prudent to model our support operations on a proven performer.
Fed Ex uses a variety of delivery platforms, as does the military, but the least glamorous and most applicable of these is a fleet of 250 Cessna Cargomaster Caravans. These are single engine turboprops that are specially designed for this type of application. They are durable, economical, and very versatile. The Caravan features a maximum payload of over two tons and at lower weights can travel around 1000 miles. But the aircraft is also a true STOL aircraft that is as at home in the bush as it is in an airport. Many bush airlines use this same aircraft for their operations.
The Caravan is available in a variety of configurations to haul just cargo, personnel, or a combination of both. It also features an oversized cargo door for easy loading and unloading. It is available fully equipped with radios, weather radar, and GPS for around $1.5 million per plane. It isn't a very fast aircraft - it's speed range is roughly equal to most modern helicopters. But it is very cheap to purchase as well as to operate.
In addition to the Caravan, we need to bring back the old supply bombs that were used in Vietnam. A more modern version was once available with the A-10 but this was discontinued years ago. Some of these used empty napalm canisters while others used cluster bomb cases. For our needs, either style will be sufficient but we'll need to bring back the appropriate aircraft to deliver them.
In the 'Nam era, the Army used the OV-1 Mohawk in a variety of roles. The Mohawk was a two-seater that could be outfitted for an assortment of recon missions but it could also carry weapons. A modern Mohawk should use the same turboprop engines and propellers (as well as other parts) as the Caravan to reduce support requirements in the field. The Mohawk was also a true STOL aircraft and would have no trouble carrying and delivering supply bombs.
With this combination, we can support our small unit operations in an effective and economical way. Recon aircraft will be in the air in support of these operations anywise - it's simply a matter of using the right type of recon aircraft and allowing them to carry supply bombs. And to fill in the remaining support needs, we have the proven Caravan in whatever configurations the mission requires. And both of these aircraft are true STOL aircraft that are designed to operate in the bush so they can go wherever the need arises. Realistically, these aircraft could probably operate from existing aircraft carriers as well.
On the ground, a variety of vehicles will be required. One of the more commonly mentioned "lessons learned" from small unit operations is the need to have different types of vehicles available for Special Operations. I think this need should be addressed in two ways. First, we need to replace the current fleet of garrison cars and light trucks with the vehicles that are commonly used in other nations. For example, overseas it is far more likely that Toyota 4X4s and Land Rovers will be used than American cars and trucks. By replacing our existing garrison vehicles with these, a pool of needed vehicles will be available for small units.
Use of these foreign vehicles offers other advantages as well. It allows our deployed forces to blend in to the foreign environment by putting our troops on the road in vehicles other than the U.S.-only HMMWV. This also allows us to use fuel and parts that are available wherever we are deploying forces to, reducing our overall logistics requirements. It also enables us to offer better training at home since these types of vehicles will be more prevalent among opposing forces than anything built here in America.
For additional needs, we should field the British Supacat ATV. This is a small, lightweight vehicle that is far more capable off-road than most similar vehicles. It also happens to be amphibious with an option to attach an outboard motor. It can carry considerable weight and can also pull trailers, including a custom trailer for carrying traditional wooden skid pallets (which also happen to be the size carried in the proposed Cessna Caravans).
Fielding these systems will dramatically enhance our ability to engage in Special Operations and to support these operations over long periods of time. They will also significantly reduce our operational costs for OOTW. At the same time, these systems can reduce our operating costs here at home by using the Caravan instead of expensive jets and helicopters for carrying the brass and visiting dignitaries. And finally, these systems can enhance our training by giving our training units a greater blend of the types of equipment our forces will be facing in future wars.