AI and Autonomous Watercraft Are Transforming Supply Delivery for Soldiers
Soon, soldiers could rely on advanced technology like artificial intelligence to predict when and how to deliver supplies to troops spread across vast areas. Rob Watts, the director of the Army Futures Command's new Cross-Functional Team-Contested Logistics, shared this vision at a recent forum. The team, formed in March 2023, is exploring concepts that involve using sensor data to anticipate logistical needs, similar to how equipment maintenance is currently tracked. The goal is to have AI tools that can rapidly inform decisions, such as when to move ammunition based on threat information.
This capability was demonstrated during a Project Convergence event in 2022, where sensor data was used to quickly assess support requirements. Additionally, autonomous watercraft could play a significant role, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, in delivering supplies to remote locations efficiently. This initiative aligns with similar efforts in the Navy and Marine Corps to explore unmanned surface vessels for resupply operations.
Ultimately, the aim is to improve logistics by reducing dependency on external transportation and shrinking supply lines, enhancing resupply capabilities from the theater to the division level.
Read more about this at Army Times >
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR MY INDUSTRY?
This shows how fancy tech - like AI - is getting more involved in guessing and handling logistics in all areas. It might completely change how we do things in industries like trucking and transportation… not just in defense. Using AI and self-driving boats is all about making supply chains run smoother and better.
When the military starts relying less on outside transport and shortens supply lines, it's all about being ready for anything that might shake things up for the worse. Disruptions happen all the time in the supply chain world - it’s right up our alley.
Plus, all this new military tech opens up chances for companies to jump in and make cool stuff like AI systems and self-driving vehicles. It's like a whole new market waiting to be tapped into.
🔥 OUR HOT TAKE?
Getting the hang of these new tricks can really help industry players make their jobs easier, spend less cash, and just be more efficient overall. Staying in the loop with these changes can help us spot new chances to grow and come up with cool ideas. Getting what's going on in military logistics can give us some smart tips and chances to innovate.
The military gearing up to revolutionize supply chain operations is a bold move that could streamline logistics and ensure troops get what they need, where they need it, faster than ever before. It's an exciting glimpse into the future of warfare logistics, where innovation takes center stage in keeping our forces equipped and ready for action. OoRah!
In a recent incident in the Red Sea, U.S. helicopters successfully defended a Maersk container vessel from an attack by Iran-backed Houthi militants.
The search continues for two missing individuals following the U.S. military Osprey aircraft crash.
Manila accused Chinese ships of aggressive actions, including firing water cannons and making "dangerous maneuvers," against Philippine vessels resupplying a remote military outpost in the disputed South China Sea.
President Joe Biden is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, aiming to revive military communications between the U.S. and China amid escalating tensions.
A Chinese fighter jet came dangerously close to a U.S. B-52 bomber during a routine operation over the South China Sea, with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command expressing concern about the near-collision.
After months of secrecy surrounding President Biden's decision to provide ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, it has been revealed that the missiles are now in Ukrainian possession and have been used in attacks on Russian military facilities.
The U.S. Navy has commissioned the USS Jack H. Lucas, the first of the Flight III sub-class of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, featuring advanced upgrades.
The Naval Special Warfare Center conducted over 2,500 screening tests between February 2022 and March 2023, identifying 74 SEAL or Special Warfare Combat Crewmen with elevated testosterone levels, leading to three candidates testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.
The Navy League of the United States has proposed a significant investment in building dual-use ships that can transport both commercial and military cargo.
The Brookings Institute recently released a report titled "America can't afford to ignore the logistics triad," which highlights the critical role of logistics in military operations, particularly against formidable adversaries like China and Russia.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) aims to expand the production of hypersonic weapons, but a lack of a suitable supply chain is hindering progress.
The U.S. Department of Defense has announced plans to deploy additional forces to the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) area of responsibility in response to Iran's attacks and seizures of commercial ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
Op-ed authors Olivia Letts and Jerry McGinn suggest that the US defense industry should consider implementing second sourcing as a solution to supply chain limitations and enhance resilience.
The U.S. and India are collaborating to establish naval logistics hubs in India, aiming to enhance resupply and maintenance capabilities for naval vessels in the South Asia region.
The Pentagon has started utilizing the $600 million Defense Production Act funding allocated from the $40 billion Ukraine aid package.
The US military's preparations for conflict in the Pacific are being hindered by inadequate logistics planning, according to Bradley Martin and Christopher Pernin of the RAND Corporation.
The event will fall on December 17th and approximately 2.5 million wreaths will be delivered to more than 3,700 cemeteries.
Manufacturing companies can absorb a lot of valuable knowledge from military employees.
The United States military has more experience in air and ocean freight operations than many people probably realize.
Wireless 5G tech is the star of the show at a US Naval base in San Diego.
For the last few years, the Navy has implemented what they are coining the “Blue Arctic” strategy in the High North, looking into more strategic operations in the icy wasteland.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has commissioned another semi-submersible transport ship.
Small quantities of specialty fuel are being offered to military and federal agencies this spring via a logistics fuel card.
Soon, soldiers could rely on advanced technology like artificial intelligence to predict when and how to deliver supplies to troops spread across vast areas.