A dynamic distribution model for combat logistics

New warfighting concepts for the US Marine Corps emphasize small, highly mobile forces supported from the sea, rather than from large, land-based supply points. The goal of logistics planners is to support these forces with as little inventory on land as possible. We develop a multi-period, facility location and material flow model, and show how to configure the land-based distribution system over time to support a given battle plan with minimum inventory. We demonstrate results of the model with data from previous studies in combat logistics.