Moving on to the defence element a definition of defence logistics is; A management function that provides the initial planning, funding, and controls which help to assure that the ultimate consumer (or user) will receive a system that will not only meet performance requirements, but one that can be expeditiously and economically supported throughout its programmed life cycle.
In the Defence logistics there are 4 organisational nodes
Component Suppliers package & ship sub components to the Producer within a business supply chain
The producer / depot / maintenance facilities (detail maintenance, overhaul, calibration, manufacturing, supply support, personnel, factory test equipment, fixed facilities )
Military intermediate maintenance facilities (corrective & preventive maintenance of subsystem level, supply support, test and support equipment, personnel field shop facilities and…
The frontline operational sites. On site corrective and preventive maintenance, supply support of critical items, system test capabilities, personnel and the operational environment.
In comparison with the business model, the defence flow takes two forms supply and maintenance also known as the forward and reverse supply chains.
The forward supply chain is similar to the business model with components being transported from the suppliers to the producers facility and then onto the frontline sites, for operations.
The Reverse supply chain is the maintenance flow is from the frontline users back to the intermediate facility and then on to the deport or direct to the depot depending on the maintenance policy for the equipment.
An example is a tank is manufactured from sub components and the the completed tank is delivered to the military user via a receiving facility. However, if a failure occurs components of the tank are returned to either a Military intermediate repair facility or a civilian depot maintenance facility. This is dependent on the maintenance policy for the specific tank.
Categories of Military logistics
Subsistence logistics is meeting the domestic needs of the troops (food, water, shelter, medical care)
Operation logistics, these are the resources which sustain the operation (Fuel, power, ammunition)
Hardware logistics, meaning resources which maintain the operation (spare parts, manuals, test equipment, tools, and Facilities)
These are all continuous elements with in defence logistics, it doesn’t matter the specifics of what you are transporting to what needs maintenance. they will always be present.