TLDR is a popular culture acronym standing for Too Long; Didn’t Read. Urban Dictionary says it is a “frequently used by […] people in Internet Forums [whose] urge to type exceeds their ability to read…” A few weeks ago we published an Excel tool to aid troop and squadron-level leaders in logistics planning. CAVLOG, posted to The Rucksack, received a lot of attention on Social Media page via The Company Leader, Doctrine Man, and Army Leader Exchange. We appreciated and were humbled by the volume of interest and engagement. Some of it was praise. Other comments provided constructive feedback. And then some commentary fell into the realm of clear “TLDR.” Below, we hope to clear-up a few things about CAVLOG.
Needs and Capabilities
Currently there is no-Army produced logistics tool for the tactical level, and we propose to fill that gap with CAVLOG. CAVLOG does not replace the functions of OPLOG, BCS3 (RIP), or the LEW. It bridges the gap between those tools and tactical units’ need to integrate their maneuver and sustainment. Although we built it to support cavalry operations, users can easily tailor this tool to any tactical unit. CAVLOG provides the following:
- CAVLOG stores historic data from LOGSTATs, which are fed into the program to produce tailored running-estimates for Class I and III supplies: water, food, fuel. Each troop/company/battery can apply these estimates. Users can then roll-up the subordinate estimates to a squadron/battalion collective estimate.
- Using these estimates, you can reach out to 72 hours. Users can change the OPTEMPO of their operations for each day to increase the accuracy of their consumption rates.
- Projections are self-correcting as each new LOGSTAT received recalculates projections for the following 72 hours.
- We built the program in Excel so users can access it across any platform, regardless of connectivity, in the field and on the move.
Philosophy
Logistics is critical to Maneuver – we should all be striving for a common lexicon and means for Maneuver Leaders to think more critically about Logistics.
Service and support is in reference to maneuver, and we don’t accomplish the mission by speaking different languages. CAVLOG permits maneuver elements and their sustainers to achieve a common framework of understanding for their operations. Just as each section of the staff and unit have their place in MDMP, so can each section and unit influence and use CAVLOG to accomplish the mission.
When the boss or higher headquarters ask “how long can we sustain the fight?” CAVLOG keeps those answers close at hand. Automating running estimates permits sustainers to focus on other areas of the planning or decision making process.
The ability to build data through training, based on assumed environmental effects and on-hand equipment, serves to create discrete values for multiplier correction. This is similar to discrete computer correction factors (CCF) a tank crew might receive from a master gunner to ensure accuracy when their weapon systems are off from the designer’s specifications. The more units use the program and the more data they collect, the more accurately CAVLOG will predict their consumption.
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The program isn’t perfect. No numbers-based approach can be in an environment as fluid and dynamic as combat. CAVLOG puts the legwork in on the front end to save time during an operation, when every second counts for timely and accurate decision making.
Click HERE to Download the CAVLOG.
Click HERE for the Powerpoint Guide to the CAVLOG.
Captain Gregor MacGregor is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, class of 2012. He is an Armor Officer who has served in the 7th and 14th Cavalry Regiments. He is currently completing his second year of law school as part of the Army’s Funded Legal Education Program. You can contact him via Linked In, HERE.
Captain Nigel Liefveld is a graduate of the United States Military Academy. He is an Armor Officer and served in 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment. He recently graduated the Maneuver Captains Career Course and currently serves as an Assistant Operations Officers in 2-7 CAV, 3rd ABCT, 1st CAV DIV. You can contact him HERE.
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