The three approaches to logistics

Earlier, I posted about the British attempts to create weapon systems maintenance/service contracts based on availability. The British have expanded their use of "through life" contracts. In fact, the US Air Force awarded a maintenance contract for similar type of arrangement for their B-2 stealth bomber.

While examining that issue, I came across this effort to explain the three ways to accomplish logistics for a weapon system. Scroll down the page to the "BAE Systems" logo. Here, former British Air Vice Marshal and current BAE Director of Military Aircraft System Support Steve Nicoll discussed his take on the 3 approaches to logistics.

1) The Forrest Gump approach is based on the movie's famous line that "My momma always said, 'Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.' " It can be rephrased more briefly as "stuff happens," and links to a well tried, 2,000 year-old military philosophy: because stuff
happens, take lots of spares etc. with you.
(2) Then there's the Scotty approach, based on the famous Star Trek engineer...where knowing initial conditions well enough lets you predict what will happen next. In short, a linear investigation/ statistical approach.
(3) Then there's Dirk Gently of "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency". This is more of a systems approach that believes everything to be interconnected.

What a great analogy. Read the rest of the article to find out how the "Dirk Gently" approach seems to be catching on among logisticians and program managers.

On the lighter side: Its Phantom Flu and other rare disease season

Just thought you'd like to read how some people get time off to do their personal business during the middle of the day.

Read and enjoy...

It is getting to be time for political appointees to move on

Emily Murphy, the head of GSA procurement, is leaving her position to take a new private sector job. Why?

"On Jan. 20, 2009 ... I turn into a pumpkin."

I guess we will see more of that in the next 24 months. Hang on!

P.S.- [Looking at the silver lining to all of this...] Anyone want an interim position to add to your resume? Might be some short-term openings...

Best consultant company name that should be an Army organization verb

I found this company's name- SiloSmashers- in an article about one of the government contracts they recently won. I like the name and think maybe we should borrow it for when we reorganize/transformize ourselves during the next half decade or so.

In addition to smashing those silos, remember to shatter rice bowls and barbecue those sacred cows.