Expeditionary Equipment: Forward Operation Solutions

Forward Operation Solutions

Strategic Victory Through Tactical Energy Efficiency

As mission parameters continue to evolve within an ever-changing global landscape, fuel and water availability grow ever more important to military capabilities. Fuel powers every combat, logistical, and support system that bolsters unit performance – from mobility and weapons to surveillance and communications to heating and cooling. And water, of course, powers the military’s most strategic asset – the warfighter.

Endemic Logistical Dependency

In any theater of operations, fuel and water are the keys to operational success. However, in today’s conflicts, a variety of factors drives dramatic increases in the consumption of these vital resources. A greater reliance on mechanization coupled with irregular operations in remote, rugged-terrain regions means more fuel. Warfighters in these areas often do not have ready access to water. Advanced technologies require more power. Moreover, uninterrupted access to these valuable commodities becomes exceedingly difficult and dangerous. More logistical convoys mean greater warfighter exposure to a variety of dangers – from Improvised Explosive Devices (IED’s) to coordinated ambushes. And increased exposure only leads to increased casualty rates. In response, the Department of Defense (DOD) stated goal is to reduce energy demand, increase efficiency, seek alternative sources, and create a culture of energy accountability, while sustaining or enhancing operational capabilities.

Better Efficiency. More Capabilities. Less Risk.

Modern forward operation deployments leverage advanced technologies to ensure fuel and water efficiency, decrease logistical dependency, enhance operational sustainability, and as a result, reduce casualty rates. Serving installations of all sizes – from large entrenched Forward Operating Bases (FOB’s) to smaller, more mobile Combat Outposts (COP’s) – innovative solutions support the full range of mission parameters, but do so with a drastically-reduced energy and water requirements.

Regardless of theater, these types of solutions answer the needs of the mission, the needs of the unit, and the needs of the individual warfighter. Whether unit commanders need to augment existing installations with improved combat effectiveness or build a mission-ready energy-efficient FOB from the ground up, operational planners realize many benefits from modular, ready-to-deploy solutions that quickly enhance operations, while saving precious resources and minimizing risk to warfighters.

Rapid Response Concepts Flat Pack Panelized Structure

Structural Solutions

Expeditionary tents, semi-permanent shelters, and rigid wall structures come equipped with infinite flexibility for complexing, limitless application capacity, increased durability and advanced climate control capabilities.

LEX Military Grade 5K Outdoor Distribution Box (USMC MEPDIS-R)

Power Solutions

Generators, power distribution products, cargo trailers and custom solutions for any application provide maximum versatility while meeting stringent performance and durability requirements.

Alaska Structures 10-Ton ECU

Environmental Solutions

Environmental Control Units (ECU’s) and heaters with products such as showers, laundry, lighting, and flooring solutions supports hygiene and lighting needs of warfighters.

Safariland Ballistic Resistant Enclosures® (BRE®)

Security Solutions

Perimeter security is supported with everything from guard shacks, light towers and bastions to traffic control kits that include products such as voice translation devices, speed bumps and remote area lighting systems.

Logistical Dependency (By the Numbers)

• Warfighting resources today are 16 times more energy-intensive today than in World War II
• When the army deploys, 50% of the tonnage moved is fuel
• It takes a convoy of 30 trucks – including 8 fuel trucks – to build a FOB in Afghanistan
• Electrical generation accounts for 50% of a FOB’s daily fuel consumption
• A warfighter accounts for 22 gallons of fuel daily, a 175% increase since Vietnam
• A 600-soldier FOB requires 22 trucks per day to replenish fuel or water and to haul waste
• Protecting convoys costs more than 15 times the actual purchase cost of the fuel itself
• In 2007, 12% of total U.S. casualties in Iraq and 35% of in Afghanistan were army losses associated with fuel convoys

Statistics compiled by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)