Wartime Tactical Ammunition Distribution System

As the army continues to reorganize in preparation for the battles of the 21st Century, logisticians seek the capabilities to sustain the weapons of modern warfare. To support the current and future ammunition requirements of the tactical commander, the Wartime Ammunition Distribution System (WTADS), has evolved to include the Maneuver Oriented Ammunition Distribution System/Palletized Loading System (MOADS/PLS) concept. Designed with the ultimate goal of providing ammunition quickly and effectively to the combat user by maximizing flexibility and mobility, the MOADS/PLS concept is now the focal point for future wartime tactical ammunition sustainment operations. This monograph examines the question of whether the WTADS at the tactical level or the MOADS/PLS concept needs to be further changed to enhance combat effectiveness on the battlefield. The monograph identifies the structure of the tactical WTADS and defines the critical functions inherent to the tactical wartime ammunition distribution. To assess the ability of the system to meet the sustainment demands associated with modern conflict, the capabilities and limitations of ammunition sustainment functions are analyzed and compared to test evaluations to determine how well the system as currently designed, would have performed during Operation Desert Storm. Finally, the monograph identifies proposals that could enhance the capability of the WTADS. The monograph shows that while the system has tremendous capability to support future battlefield sustainment operations, weaknesses in automation, training, and the current structure of the system do exist and could impact on the flexibility and responsiveness required to support future force projection operations. The conclusions suggest the wartime tactical ammunition distribution system must continue to evolve, change, and adapt to the combat environments the army will face in the 21st century.