Deployment-to-dwell metrics and supply-based force sustainment

Abstract

Purpose-In the present fast-paced and globalized age of war, special operations forces have a comparative advantage over conventional forces because of their small, highly-skilled units. Largely because of these characteristics, special operations forces spend a disproportionate amount of time deployed. The amount of time spent deployed affects service member's quality of life and their level of preparedness for the full spectrum of military operations. In this paper, the authors ask the following question: How many force packages are required to sustain a deployed force package, while maintaining predetermined combatreadiness and quality-of-life standards? Design/methodology/approach-The authors begin by developing standardized deployment-to-dwell metrics to assess the effects of deployments on service members' quality of life and combat readiness. Next, they model deployment cycles using continuous time Markov chains and derive closed-form equations that relate the amount of time spent deployed versus at home station, rotation length, transition time and the total force size. Findings-The expressions yield the total force size required to sustain a deployed capability. Originality/value-Finally, the authors apply the method to the US Air Force Special Operations Command. This research has important implications for the force-structure logistics of any military force.

A question of time? Deployments, dwell time, and work-life balance for military personnel in Scandinavia

“…It is also clear that to achieve work-life balance for deployed military personnel both individual factors and organizational demands must be taken into account. As Evans and Steeger ( 2018 ) point out, military organizations face difficult challenges and decisions when simultaneously trying to meet strategic goals and operational demands, at the same time creating systems that sustain quality-of-life standards for their personnel.…”

“…Some studies address dwell periods and the pre-requisites for work-life balance from an organizational perspective, for instance, in relation to force structure and capability requirements (e.g., Evans & Steeger, 2018 ). These studies conclude that policies restricting respite or dwell periods will affect the force structure, which in turn will affect military capability.…”

“…In this paper, we focus on work-life balance (WLB) and conflict for military personnel, and in particular, time-related aspects of deployment overseas. In recent years, several studies have analyzed the impact of time-related factors such as deployment frequency, length or dwell time between deployments on the mental and physical health of active-duty military personnel and veterans (see e.g., Buckman et al, 2011 ; Evans & Steeger, 2018 ; Fear et al, 2010 ; MacGregor et al, 2014 ; Rona et al, 2014 ; Ursano et al, 2018 ). Similarly, research on work-life balance and conflict in military organizations has increased (see e.g., Andres et al, 2012 ; Huffman et al, 2014 ; Johnson & Goldenberg, 2019 ; MacDermid & Southwell, 2011 ; Oskarsson et al, 2021 ; Pickering, 2017 ).…”

Simulation analysis of engineering business process in asset sustainment activities based on total cost of ownership

“…Four of them were related to social and product marketing issues. Of the two relevant papers, Evans and Steeger 29 studied the time of military deployment required to sustain operational readiness. Mathaisel et al 30 studied and documented best practices in maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) in military environment.…”