Federal News Network’s Post

Exciting Developments in U.S. Military Maintenance Operations   The United States Department of Defense is embarking on a transformative journey with the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), aiming to shift maintenance operations closer to potential conflict zones. This initiative, starting in the Indo-Pacific Command, seeks to build an international maintenance ecosystem with trusted allies and vendors. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and regional capabilities, the DoD aims to enhance readiness and reduce dependency on stateside repairs, addressing the logistical challenges posed by long over-ocean lines of communication. Versar Global Solutions stands ready to support the RSF initiative and the Department of Defense throughout INDOPACOM and beyond. #DefenseLogistics #MilitaryMaintenance #GovCon #INDOPACOM

For all those involved in Maintenance, Repair, & Overhaul (MRO), definitely worth tracking the Regional Sustainment Framework (exsum link in comments). Starting with INDOPACOM, DOD wants to move more MRO capabilities forward. This will mean more activity around programs like Army Prepositioned Stock (APS) and similar programs for the Navy, Air Force, and Marines. #pts #mro #OCONUS https://lnkd.in/eGEfy_yF

Gen Christopher Mahoney highlights the need for deep magazines to sustain military operations in long-term conflicts. From munitions to supply chains, readiness is crucial. Read his full article to learn more. #MilitaryReadiness #ProtractedConflict #NationalSecurity #DefenseStrategy #USMC

https://lnkd.in/ePyAFyCZ "If the U.S. military winds up in a war that does damage to its equipment, in many cases, the repairs would have to be done stateside. Not only would that require long round trips, but many of the shipyards and depots that would be tasked with that work are overtaxed even in peacetime. That’s one reason DoD wants to move more of its maintenance operations overseas as part of what officials are calling the Regional Sustainment Framework.   It’s still very early days for the RSF, first published in May, and Defense officials have not yet estimated the full costs of what they say will be a 'paradigm shift' in the way the military handles overseas logistics.    'In the past, sustainment has historically been viewed as a national responsibility. National governments would sustain our forces in whatever theater we were operating in. This is really a recognition that sustainment can be performed through a coalition and a network of regional providers,' he said. One complication the department might face as it tries to change its maintenance paradigm is a longstanding federal law called the 50/50 rule. That provision requires each military service to conduct half of their depot-level maintenance at U.S. government-owned facilities, generally staffed by government employees – the so-called 'organic industrial base.' Defense officials say they’ll have to keep close tabs on their maintenance workload distribution to make sure they continue to comply with that rule even as more work moves overseas."

The U.S. Navy’s fiscal 2025 budget request for Project Overmatch, its effort to digitally link people, ships, and sensors over vast distances, is classified uncontrolled information, with spending details not disclosed. The Navy sought at least $192 million in FY24 and secured $226 million in FY23. Follow us for the latest news updates ➡️ Global Defense Online https://lnkd.in/eSP_de_n #NationalSecurity #USNavy #MilitaryTechnology #NavalOperations

Admiral Lee Hsi-ming,Taiwan’s former Chief of the General Staff, who developed and now advocates for the “overall defense concept (ODC),” said Taiwan needs a methodical change “that can guide the force structure, weapons acquisition, doctrine development, joint operational plan, joint training, logistics support” of Taiwan’s military.. ODC emphasizes deterrence by denial, calls for weapons that have high survivability, high precision, and low cost, in addition to force mobility and command and control system redundancy. … Taiwan should adopt the philosophy of “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. … Chinese threat Concerning when China could potentially launch an invasion of Taiwan, Lee pointed to statements from U.S. officials, who have said 2027 would be the year the People’s Liberation Army would likely have full invasion capabilities. However, China currently has insufficient amphibious lift and lacks joint operations experience, including weapons, tactics, doctrine, logistics, and equipment, Lee said. Even after gaining the ability, Beijing would still have to conduct massive air bombardments and missile strikes to neutralize Taiwan’s military assets, installations, and command posts.. ….”

This article hits pretty close to home for me. I served as a Patriot Air Defense Artillery officer in the Army. I was the officer in charge during 24-hour operations shifts in South Korea in 2003 during peacetime. It was hard keeping the system up and running and maintained in that environment. We relied heavily on incredibly experienced Warrant Officers— serious miracle workers— and a full-time civilian link back to the Patriot weapons manufacturer. Even then, we had some downtime on a system while waiting for parts to ship. When we lost some of the more experienced soldiers who just knew the system’s nuances, we experienced more downtime. These same challenges are magnified as Ukraine uses the Patriot system. For everyone on the ground losing sleep and working around the clock to sustain the systems, get them up and running at any cost, and get back in the fight, my heart genuinely is with you. For the companies looking to get into the fight— for the VCs looking to help companies get into the fight— think through operations, maintenance, sustainment, all in austere conditions with lives on the line, to deliver something THAT WORKS. #nationaldefense #executionmatters #onward

A recent article in Defense News sheds light on the challenges faced by the US Navy as it strives to expand its stockpile of critical munitions. The Navy's ambitious goal of strengthening its arsenal, particularly in anticipation of potential conflicts involving China, is being hampered by supplier bottlenecks and supply chain obstacles. Despite a significant increase in weapons spending over the past two years, the Navy continues to face difficulties in meeting its production targets. The article highlights the scarcity of crucial long-range and highly effective weapons, which are essential for countering potential threats from adversaries. To address these bottlenecks and ensure a steady supply of munitions, the Navy has allocated $380 million in its FY24 budget plans. Additionally, it has initiated four multiyear procurement contracts to provide stable funding for key suppliers. However, industry executives caution that resolving these supply chain challenges will take time, as troubled suppliers need to ramp up their production capabilities. One of the major hurdles in increasing production is the shortage of rocket motors and electronics, which are vital components in various munitions programs. The Navy acknowledges that the scarcity of qualified companies capable of manufacturing these components for the United States is a significant bottleneck. To mitigate this issue, the Navy has issued other transaction agreement contracts to small companies, enabling them to learn and produce the necessary rocket motors. While progress has been made, challenges persist. The Navy is actively working to identify and address specific bottlenecks within the supply chain. Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, the director of surface warfare, emphasizes the Navy's commitment to maximizing production lines and increasing munition stocks to counter global threats. In conclusion, addressing supplier bottlenecks and strengthening the supply chain is crucial for the US Navy's efforts to expand its arms stockpiles. By allocating resources, initiating procurement contracts, and collaborating with small companies, the Navy aims to overcome these challenges and ensure its readiness in the face of evolving global security concerns. #usnavy #DefenseNews #supplychain #navy #militarydefense #procurementchallenges #armedforces

https://lnkd.in/dTCyniwi Recommendations for Finalizing the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act Wilson Beaver Sep 5, 2024 The final version of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act should include the House’s ban on corrosive race-based policies and strong research security provisions aimed at preventing Chinese anti-DOD espionage along with the Senate’s strong support for military construction in the Indo-Pacific and shipbuilding, including a third Arleigh Burke–class destroyer, a second Virginia-class submarine, and fenced-off funding for the Constellation-class frigate. Crucially, it should not add women to the draft. Ideally, the result will be a defense budget that flows from strategy, focusing by necessity on the Indo-Pacific, and leads to a less politicized DOD that is more focused on remaining as capable and lethal as possible to protect the national security interests of the American people. The House version of the FY 2025 NDAA contains far better protections against Chinese malign foreign influence and politicization of the Department of Defense. The Senate version of the FY 2025 NDAA contains far better provisions for the procurement of ships and funding of INDOPACOM priorities. Politicized initiatives like “Draft our Daughters” do not enhance the military’s mission as a lethal fighting force or rebuild trust with the American people.