Kristen Smith
Investing in a next-generation, data-driven logistics approach is seen as an effective strategy that would enable logistics teams of U.S. special operations forces to better support decentralized missions and respond quickly to multiple global threats.
In an opinion piece published Monday on the General Dynamics Information Technology website, Iron EagleX CEO Michael Grochol highlighted the need to adopt logistics capabilities that provide real-time data, predictive analytics and open-source assessments of threat environments to understand potential risks and vulnerabilities and identify the resources needed and the areas where equipment should be deployed.
SOF Transitioning to Decentralized Missions
Such capabilities are essential given the shift in SOF missions, which previously focused on counterterrorism, Grochol said, noting that a future where SOF operations will be more decentralized and need more agile capabilities.
According to the executive, an infrastructure that leverages data to make predictions about what will be needed, where and when is key to having a logistical system model fit for decentralized missions, adding that such infrastructure will enable the deployment of a smaller force footprint and commercial resources that could quickly and stealthily move equipment.
Understanding Supply Chain for Global Multiple Threat Response
A data-driven logistics approach would also enable rapid response to threats in multiple locations worldwide by allowing SOF teams to visualize threat environments and supplies. Grochol explained that addressing global threats simultaneously requires an understanding of commercial and military supply chains to inform deployment decisions in a way that would impact missions positively and adversaries negatively.
Iron EagleX, acquired by GDIT in 2024, delivers artificial intelligence and machine learning, cyber, software development and cloud services for the SOF and the intelligence community.
