The Key To Success In Afghanistan Is Logistics (From RealClearDefense)

A competent and sustainable Afghan security force is essential to the U.S. strategy of eventually transitioning security responsibilities to the Afghan government. For nearly two decades, the U.S. and its coalition partners have been struggling to help the government in Kabul to organize, train, equip and sustain the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF), consisting of the Afghan National Army, Afghan Air Force, National Police, local police and intelligence service. Where the ANDSF has experienced serious and persistent problems is in the higher functions, particularly logistics. In June 2017, the Pentagon awarded the consolidated National Maintenance Strategy (NMS) contract for all ANDSF vehicles to PAE. In addition to maintenance, supply chain management and parts support for vehicles and ground equipment. But even if the NMS is successful beyond all expectations, it will not solve every challenge of managing the ANDSF vehicle fleets. Vehicles will continue to be lost as a result of accidents and damage sustained in combat. In addition, the effects of operating these vehicles for years in Afghanistan’s unforgiving terrain will use up their service life. A holistic approach to the long-term sustainment of the ANDSF vehicle fleets is needed. I have written more about this for RealClearDefense here.