Revisiting the revolution in military logistics: Technological enablers twenty years on

Abstract

This chapter builds on the Revolution in Military Logistics (RML) concept, as defined by the U.S. Army in 1999, by conceiving of logistics transformation as a prerequisite for any Revolution in Military Affairs or broader force transformation at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels. Looking past the tip of the spear, this chapter analyses how emerging critical technologies may facilitate a paradigmatic shift in land-based combat service support emphasizing greater agility, modularity, seamlessness, control, and sustainability. The chapter considers technological enablers—including artificial intelligence, alternative energy technologies, augmented reality, additive manufacturing, robotics, blockchain and the Internet of Things—which may make logistics more efficient and effective, yet which have only been developed or fielded in an ad hoc way. With a view toward integrating the technologies into operational concepts and organisational constructs, the chapter assesses the merits, as well as vulnerabilities and cultural difficulties, of transforming future military logistics.