Defence Logistics Complements The Men In Uniform

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Every army operation involves variety of tasks – some operational and other functional. Army logistics or the defence logistics deals with the functional part of the operations which involves planning, organising, controlling and implementing. It helps the defence forces in executing its plans as per the norms and procedures.

In fact army logistics takes care of the procurement of materials, equipments and also personnel. It also looks after their maintenance, distribution and replacement. If you view it in a more comprehensive way, defence logistics deals with –
1. Design and development of material, its storage and maintenance ans also its acquisition, its disposition and its evacuation.
2. In case of contingency moving the personnel to safer place, hospitalisation of the injured and if needed, their evacuation.
3. Acquiring or outsourcing the services and also furnishing them.
4. Acquiring facilities, maintaining and operating them and if need be, disposing them.

It is not a new concept. Army logistics has been there for as long as the war itself. There is always a need for people ...
... or set of people working as a department to look after the functional needs of the troops, so that they are well taken care of and can concentrate on the fighting whole heartedly. In the ancient times, men were responsible for taking care of their own necessities. But gradually, the wars became more organised and the work was distributed as per the capabilities of the men. The stronger men took to fighting while the balance looked after the administration.

Since logistics does not follow a set of principles predefined or some fixed guidelines to be followed in each instance, so we cannot term it as science. In fact it is a very dynamic discipline and changes as per the requirement of the situation. The main aim of this organisation is to ensure timely and proper supply of equipments and services and in the place where it is needed. It has to fulfil all the commitments at optimal expenditures by making the best possible use of the available resources.

Now days, it is a highly specialised field. The men involved in defence logistics have to deal with any and every situation which is logistic in nature. These men are trained to take such decisions. They have the ability to analyze a situation, based on their past experiences and accordingly to interpret it and to take the measures to fulfil the need. The personnel in logistics have the special ability of taking decisions under duress as they are trained in tactics and strategy.

Due to advancement in technology and increased deployment of troops in the far flung locations, defence logistics has gained immense importance. They overcome the paucity of time and resources. Not only has army logistics taken care of the needs of the men, but also with a lot of expertise. It has proven to be an important asset to the defence forces and helps them in concentrating on the operational role.
defense logistics and army logistics