Contested Logistics: AUSA Hot Topic Series

Opening Remarks

• Presenter: Clark Lee Masters, representing Lios' Army and Joint Logistics Division.
• Company Mission: Support the Army with resilient supply chains, mission-ready communications products, and training.
  • 47,000 employees working on critical problems.
  • Logistics Platform: Utilizes cloud technology for intelligent logistics, enabling end-to-end visibility of sustainment solutions.
• Context: Military evolving in warfare; logistics critical in sustainment across contested domains.

Introduction of Moderator

• Moderator: Steve Rodriguez, Managing Partner for One Defense.
• Background: Experience in defense, commercial, and intelligence sectors.
• Role: Accelerate the transition of advanced software and hardware into the defense industrial base.

Panel Introduction

• Panel Title: Army and transition sustaining Army 2030 and transforming to Army 2040.
• Panelists:
  • Major General Michelle Donahue, CASCOM.
  • Mr. Rob Watts, contested Logistics CFT.
  • Lt. Gen. (Retired) Richard Dick Formica.
  • Jerry Dwyer, Industry Representative.
  • Michael Snow.

Key Discussions

Opening by Steve Rodriguez

• Personal Anecdote: Insights into logistics challenges and contested logistics reflecting better decisions through experience.
• General Remarks: Importance of logistics in modern warfare and precision sustainment.

Panel Discussions

1. General Donahue (CASCOM):

   • Role: Transitioning logistics from brigade to division-level constructs.
   • Efforts: Integrated with Futures and Concept Center and other partners.
   • Developments: Material development, experimentation, and integration of modernization efforts in sustainment.

2. Mr. Rob Watts (Contested Logistics CFT):

   • Mission: Develop material capabilities and requirements for logistics.
   • Focus Areas: Predictive logistics, multi-domain distribution, advanced power and energy, and demand reduction.
   • Predictive Logistics: Essential for the Army 2030, moving towards precision sustainment.
   • Advanced Power: Research in non-fossil fuel technologies, small modular reactors (SMRs) feasibility discussed.
   • AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS: Introduction of autonomous resupply vessels, leveraging AI for logistics efficiency.

3. Lt. Gen. Richard Formica:

   • Framework: Strategy drives capability requirements.
   • Strategic Focus: China, Russia, and other threats as defined by National Security directives.
   • Integration: Importance of joint and allied partners, industry, and adjusting capabilities for various combat theatres.

4. Jerry Dwyer (Industry Representative):

   • Insights: Commercial logistics under constraints and their applicability to military logistics.
   • Technologies: Use of AR/VR for maintenance, drones for inspection and resupply, digital twins for simulation, and AI for decision-making.
   • Partnership: Emphasizing industry partnerships for developing innovative solutions.

5. Michael Snow:

   • Data Importance: Access to definitive data sources, technical packages, and real-time information vital for logistics decision-making.
   • Computing at the Edge: Using data for decisions at the tactical level.
   • Future Envisioning: Ubiquity of unmanned systems across logistics operations.
   • Integration: Partnering with AFC and AMC for leveraging Industry innovations in sustainment.

Audience Questions

• Modular Reactors: SMRs are discussed as a potential source for sustainable energy despite regulatory challenges.
• Joint and Allied Integration: Discussing sustainment capabilities in joint missions and the importance of synchronization.

Closing Remarks

• Appreciation for the strategic content of the discussion.
• Highlights of substantial relationships and knowledge-sharing on complex logistics issues.