Allied Command Europe Research Articles

Development of logistics information systems

Introduction: An adequate logistics information system provides real time automated data processing, distribution and of information according to Terrain Commander's requirements, which leads to timely fulfillment of logistic demands of units. SAP ERP The SAP ERP application is the integrated (ERP) software capable of working with complex organisational structures, personnel, equipment, and finance. It enables planning and combining forces for every type of operations. The system also enables the determination of the readiness status of modelled forces. ISL The Information System for Logistics (ISL) is a comprehensive information system of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Army of the Czech Republic that covers many areas: acquisition, supply, ammunition and equipment maintenance, logistics, etc. The ISL provides support for military logistics in all important areas of consumer and acquisition logistics, satisfaying all kinds of Defence Forces needs in the country and abroad. LOGFAS The information system LOGFAS comprises Logistics Database (LOGBASE), Movement and Transportation software (M&T), Allied Command Europe Resource Optimisation Software System (ACROSS) and Logistic Reporting System (LOGREP). The Logistics Database LOGBASE represents a logistics information source and also a database related to assets, forces, geography, infrastructure, targets, supplies, movements and medical data. The main software tools which rely on the LOGBASE are M&T, ACROSS and LOGREP. GCSS-Army The original impetus to create the SALE came in the mid-90s when the United States Department of Defense (DoD) started a logistics modernisation programme. One of tasks was to build The Single Army Logistics Enterprise (SALE) for the purpose of covering the whole organisational structure of the DoD. There are three components of the SALE: GCSS-Army, PLM+ and LMP. Each of them uses the commercial Enterprise Resource Planning SAP Software with a Web access. The main component, GCSS-Army (Global Combat Support System-Army Field/Tactical), is intended for the tactical level and it will replace 14 tactical logistics information systems and connect them with the rest of the information environment. Tendencies in the development of logistics information systems In line with the presented information solutions, it is possible to extract relevant conclusions about tendencies in the development of these types of systems all around the world. These conclusions should be implemented, through adequate principles, into domestic software development. Three main tendencies are visible in modern solutions: using centralised databases, integration of existing separated software solutions, and connecting previously autonomus systems. Conclusion In accordance with present time requirements, logistic support should be realised as close as possible to the origin of a logistic need, in real time and adequately. Information systems enable real time delivery of information needed for a quality logistic support in all phases of operations as well as for a faster generation of all types of documents.

Fire Brigade or Tocsin? NATO's ACE Mobile Force, Flexible Response and the Cold War

During the Cold War, NATO planners created the Allied Command Europe Mobile Force (Land) to implement proto-flexible response strategies. Originally conceived as a means to plug gaps in the NATO Central Region "Shield" forces with portable tactical nuclear weapons, ACE Mobile Force evolved into a signalling device intended to forestall an escalatory situation with Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces on NATO's northern and southern flanks. The story of ACE Mobile Force is a lens from which to view the implementation of Flexible Response, particularly in the mature period of the 1970s and 1980s.

Logistic support for the ARRC

The flag of the Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps was raised for the first time in October 1992, thus initiating a limited operational capability within NATO until full operations start in 1995. Brigadier Oliver here describes the background to and progress of logistics planning for the new multinational corps and outlines the challenges ahead which must be met for full success to be achieved.

Building on success: Allied command Europe looks to the future

On the eve of his retirement as Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Calvin here presents his view of the role of NATO after the end of the Cold War. He seeks to allay several misconceptions surrounding the Alliance, including the issues of crisis management, the peace dividend and America's role in Europe, concluding that although there are other organisations capable of dealing with potential crises, NATO is still the best qualified, equipped and managed to ‘win the peace’.

Allied command Europe: A time of change

General Clauss addresses the many changes taking place in NATO and Allied Command Europe, their effect on strategy—currently aligned towards maintaining peace and the management of crises—and the future role of the armed forces within this new context.

THEATER CAMPAIGN PLANNING FOR NATO'S NORTHERN REGION

Abstract : For years the Northern Region has been considered of secondary importance to NATO theater military operations. But with the buildup of Soviet forces in the area, especially those on the Kola Peninsula and within the Northern Fleet, Soviet military operations now have the potential to seriously threaten NATO's Atlantic sea lines of communication and even outflank allied forces in the Central Region itself. NATO's response to this threat is a fragmented division of responsibility among the three major NATO commands--Allied Command Europe (ACE), Allied Command Atlantic (ACLANT), and Allied Command Channel (ACCHAN). Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH), a major subordinate headquarters of ACE, is the Northern Region warfighting command charged with planning and conducting a joint and combined campaign. However, in view of the growing Soviet naval threat in the Northern Region, we must ask whether AFNORTH still has adequate command structure, forces, operational depth, and agility to plan and conduct an effective campaign in a theater where maritime influences have emerged as a dominant feature of the operational environment. The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) and Commander-in-Chief Channel (CINCHAN) have overlapping responsibilities for planning and conducting simultaneous yet separate maritime campaigns in the same general area, yet there does not appear to be a mechanism for developing a cohesive combined campaign plan that unites and synchronizes all air, land, and sea operations for the entire Northern Region.

Principal Headquarters Allied Command Europe, 1 April 1952

Principal Headquarters Allied Command Europe, 1 April 1952