Future Design of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron

Abstract

Abstract : The current structure of the 11 active duty Marine Aviation Logistics Squadrons (MALS) was established in 1988. Since then several significant changes have occurred that will impact the design and functioning of the MALS in the future. This paper will explore how contemporary advances in technology, inventory management, and future aircraft design should be taken into account in redesigning the structure and functioning of the MALS. The paper is intended to capture some of the elements that will influence the Future MALS (MALS (F)) design. There are two reasons why the MALS design must change. First, there is a mandate to change from the leadership of the aviation logistics community. Second, there are opportunities to improve our current business practices which will allow us to improve aircraft readiness and reduce the forward deployed footprint of the MALS. Some of the available technologies include End to End AIRspeed, Current Readiness, and, most significantly, Marine Aviation Logistics Program II (MALSP II). These new concepts are being developed, but it is not yet clear how they will impact the design and structure of MALS (F). The author contends that implementation of these concepts will reduce the size of the MALS. Some functions should be moved from the MALS to other squadrons within each MAG, while other functions should be consolidated at the Marine Aircraft Wing level. Although change is necessary, the command relationships that exist between the MALS and the Marine Aircraft Groups (MAGs) they support, and the ability to smoothly transition from a garrison to a deployed environment, should not change.