Can airdrop be utilized as a means of promoting zero-footprint logistics for the resupply of the Canadian Forces? by Stephen Wright A Thesis submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies of The University of Manitoba in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE I.H. Asper School of Business Department of Supply Chain Management University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Copyright © 2013 by Stephen Wright! ! I! Abstract This thesis examines the suitability of airdrop as a means of resupply for the Canadian Forces (CF) in an attempt to reduce forward supply inventories and promote “zero- footprint” logistics. Research methods involved both quantitative and qualitative techniques, consulting CF manuals and subject matter experts. Based on performance, airdrop staged from rear locations or outside the theatre of operations can meet resupply requirements. Although airdrop has longer assembly and loading times than ground based delivery, flight speed and direct routes can make up the difference. However based on interviews with CF personnel, it appears that due to limited availability of aircraft, drop zone requirements, delivery vehicle vulnerability, and the need for backhaul logistics, airdrop could not be used as a sole means of resupply. ! II! Acknowledgments ! I would like to extend my appreciation to several individuals and organizations that were instrumental in the development of this thesis. The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces provided me with a wide assortment of information and personnel to consult with. In particular, I wish to thank the staff of the Canadian Forces Aerospace Warfare Centre who suggested the topic of “Zero Footprint” logistics for my thesis and LCol. Pichette, who acted as my point of contact with the military. In addition, I would like to thank the instructors and staff of the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre who made themselves available and patiently answered all of my questions. My advisor, Dr. Paul Larson, who provided enormous guidance throughout my graduate program. As well, I appreciate the advice and suggestions provided by my thesis committee, Dr. Ron Mclachlin, Dr. James Fergusson, and Steve James. The Transport Institute, for “rounding out” my graduate program and research education. Many of the skills learned while working with Al Phillips, Kathy Chmelnytzki, and Allister Hickson were put to use while working on this thesis. My parents for their support, patience, and understanding throughout my entire educational experience! ! III! Table of Contents Abstract!...........................................................................................................................................................!I! Acknowledgments!.....................................................................................................................................!II! Table!of!Contents!.....................................................................................................................................!III! List!of!Tables!................................................................................................................................................!V! List!of!Figures!............................................................................................................................................!VI! Establishing!Research!Problem!...........................................................................................................!1! ZeroBFootprint!Logistics!....................................................................................................................!1! Canadian!Forces!Logistics!and!Supply!........................................................................................!3! Moving!Towards!Zero!Footprint!....................................................................................................!5! Airdrop!...........................................................................................................................................................!6! Dien!Bien!Phu!....................................................................................................................................!7! Khe!Sanh!..............................................................................................................................................!8! Case!Comparison!............................................................................................................................!10! Research!Question!..................................................................................................................................!12! Research!Methodology!..........................................................................................................................!12! Quantitative!Analysis!.............................................................................................................................!15! Model!.......................................................................................................................................................!15! Total!Time!.........................................................................................................................................!16! Operational!Time!...........................................................................................................................!23! Elapsed!Time!...................................................................................................................................!26! Escorts!................................................................................................................................................!29! Cost!......................................................................................................................................................!30! DZ,!LZ,!Convoy!Footprint!............................................................................................................!36! Scenarios!.....................................................................................................................................................!37! Simulation!1!..........................................................................................................................................!39! Simulation!2!..........................................................................................................................................!41! Simulation!3!..........................................................................................................................................!44! Simulation!4!..........................................................................................................................................!46! Simulation!5!..........................................................................................................................................!49! Extended!Theatre!....................................................................................................................................!52! Qualitative!Analysis!................................................................................................................................!57! Fundamentals!of!Sustainment!......................................................................................................!58! Foresight!............................................................................................................................................!58! Economy!............................................................................................................................................!58! Flexibility!...........................................................................................................................................!59! Simplicity!...........................................................................................................................................!59! CoBOperation!....................................................................................................................................!59! SelfBSufficiency!................................................................................................................................!59! Plan!...........................................................................................................................................................!59! Foresight!............................................................................................................................................!60! Economy!............................................................................................................................................!60! Flexibility!...........................................................................................................................................!60! Simplicity!...........................................................................................................................................!61! CoBOperation!....................................................................................................................................!61! SelfBSufficiency!................................................................................................................................!61! ! IV! Prepare!....................................................................................................................................................!62!