30 · MT 5/2022 Feature Aerial view of a camp equipped with Defshel’s tents, each mounting solar panels that contribute to the reduce the energy footprint. (All photos Marco Giulio Barone) idea of how many generators are needed. In order to avoid inconvenience, there is a tendency to overdo it, but also to leave the gensets switched on all the time, even at night. It almost goes without saying that such a method results in great energy wastage, with the additional problem that no one has ever measured how much and at what times of day. As fossil fuels become a critical issue, this first lesson learned will stimulate thought as well as a technology race over alternatives to dependency on fuel for transport and camping. Already, at Eurosatory 2022 companies like FFG unveiled they are financing studies to address mobility issues. Some others, like Italian company Defshell and German company Pfisterer, address the problem of camping forces, proposing solutions based on solar panels, wind turbines, and power management units. We Shouldn’t Get Thirsty Water is essential, and overseas operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Mali, and elsewhere clearly demonstrated that, unlike in Europe, water shortage can become the norm. And having convoys bringing water along for deployed forces would be even more challenging than fuel. Drinkable water is a problem within a problem. Some solutions have arisen over time, and they greatly improved the logistic capability of purification of water, but efficiency at doing that is still to come – and it is a major issue. For exemple, French engineers operating in Mali are often equipped with Infilco STEM (Station de Traitement des Eaux Mobiles) units, compact sewage treatment plants that can be transported in just two ISO20 containers and can be operated by just two specialists (a mechanic and The capability of sustaining the logistic footprint of units on the ground often determines the outcome of a battle. When operations are continued, the manner of sustaining deployed forces also makes a difference in the whole campaign’s success and affordability. Fuel, water and maintenance are the three pillars of logistics for deployed forces, and operations overseas have provided some lessons learned. Fuelling Solutions Keeping armed forces operational is not only about filling tanks with fuel. Almost all the electricity needed by troops is produced by diesel- powered generators. NATO’s accumulated operational experience, especially in Afghanistan, shows that fuel supply is one of the costliest of all logistical activities. For all units on the ground to receive their supplies, it is necessary to organise convoys, which are often the enemy’s favourite target (clearly an easier target than a combat unit, and inevitably riddled with flammable materials). Convoys must therefore be escorted, and despite this, the highest human casualties occurred precisely in these activities, typically considered second-line. In the 2004-2007 period, as many as 3,000 US soldiers died because of attacks on convoys. This period is considered a benchmark as operations were intense, so statistics are significant. Currently, NATO estimates that there is one dead soldier for every 24 convoys in its overseas engagements. Economically, transporting fuel to hot areas costs about $150 per litre. For this reason, NATO has, for some years now, been exploring the possibility of using alternative sources such as solar panels and wind power to reduce dependence on diesel. The main problem in this respect is knowing the output of each source and managing it, bearing in mind that voltages and power vary according to the type of machine and, in the case of renewable sources, environmental conditions. Prior to the establishment of dedicated periodic exercises such as Capable Logistician, NATO member countries had not addressed this issue. When setting up a camp or base, energy requirements are roughly calculated to get an Marco Giulio Barone Mastering the Commons – The Future of Logistics Inside of the VERAGON shelter, the plant for extracting, purifying and mineralising water. f
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