OA3611 Principles of Operational Logistics

Introduction to principles of Operational Logistics (OPLOG) as a discipline that encompasses the resources needed to deploy and sustain military forces at the operational level of warfare. The course includes technical (mathematical and quantitative) facets of OPLOG, as well as historical perspective, plus qualitative aspects of OPLOG that are not readily quantifiable. Topics include logistics attributes, quantitative analytical tools, OPLOG planning principles, information requirements and information flow, warfare sustainment demand forecasting, and network analysis. Prerequisites: None.

Lecture Hours

Lab Hours

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the OA3611, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of the military context of operational logistics and relate to historical examples of the implementation to support and sustain warfare.
Demonstrate an understanding of structure and terminology in the discipline of operational logistics at the principal levels of warfare, and describe the application of quantitative tools and models for operational logistics analysis.
Demonstrate an understanding of functional areas of operational logistics; cognitive, structural, and operational properties; responsiveness; and macro-logistics and micro-logistics planning cycles.
Demonstrate an understanding of the logistics information needed by the Operational Logistician; types of logistics information; characteristics of a logistics information system; and special structure and features of a logistics information system.
Demonstrate an understanding of forecasting operational logistics needs under situations of battlefield uncertainty; impact on estimation of attrition and consumption; and a framework for an operational logistics forecast system.
Demonstrate an understanding of network modeling and representation of logistics deployment in a theater of operations to visualize operational-structural properties and aid in the macro-logistics planning cycle.
Demonstrate an understanding of quantitative metrics for assessment of such operational logistics properties as intrinsic flexibility and structural flexibility.
Demonstrate an understanding of efficiency and mathematical optimization issues in operational logistics including the use of an optimization model for logistics network analysis.