Deployment-to-dwell metrics and supply-based force sustainment

Sarah E Evans,Gregory Steeger

doi:10.1108/jdal-05-2017-0009

Abstract

Purpose In the present fast-paced and globalized age of war, special operations forces have a comparative advantage over conventional forces because of their small, highly-skilled units. Largely because of these characteristics, special operations forces spend a disproportionate amount of time deployed. The amount of time spent deployed affects service member’s quality of life and their level of preparedness for the full spectrum of military operations. In this paper, the authors ask the following question: How many force packages are required to sustain a deployed force package, while maintaining predetermined combat-readiness and quality-of-life standards? Design/methodology/approach The authors begin by developing standardized deployment-to-dwell metrics to assess the effects of deployments on service members’ quality of life and combat readiness. Next, they model deployment cycles using continuous time Markov chains and derive closed-form equations that relate the amount of time spent deployed versus at home station, rotation length, transition time and the total force size. Findings The expressions yield the total force size required to sustain a deployed capability. Originality/value Finally, the authors apply the method to the US Air Force Special Operations Command. This research has important implications for the force-structure logistics of any military force.

Highlights

When embarking upon any long-term endeavor, it is important to count or at least estimate the cost necessary to ensure completion
Special operations forces (SOFs) are uniquely capable to adapt to the changing rigors of war
2.2 Measuring and standardizing operations tempo The D2D metric we develop meets all of the standards listed in Harrison (2014)

Summary

Introduction

When embarking upon any long-term endeavor, it is important to count or at least estimate the cost necessary to ensure completion. The recent necessity to obtain waivers for breaching D2D thresholds, at the US Secretary of Defense (SecDef) level, along with low D2D ratios are possible indications of SOF’s depleting readiness capacity (Losey, 2017a) These occurrences motivate the overarching research question: How many force packages are needed to sustain a deployed force package, while maintaining predetermined combat-readiness and quality-of-life standards?. The reality is that as a low-density highdemand force, SOF cannot do everything demanded because their resources are limited It is in the best interest of the organization to objectively determine the resources that are needed to sustain enduring deployment requirements. This paper presents a supply-based model for determining the required force strength necessary to sustain an enduring war-fighting capability.

Background

The big picture: capability-based force structuring

Method

1: To maintain a D2D ratio of 1:D: ðfm RL

Findings

Conclusion