When a military airplane flies overhead, it is really easy to think that it is as easy as a pilot and an airplane. Those of us in the business are well aware of how much more it is than that, but it is still easy to lose focus on this from time to time. 

Beyond the baseline maintenance we see in the form of line maintenance, plus shop maintenance and then even base-level maintenance, there are still thousands of moving pieces involved in every single sortie. 

Today, we will look at Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) and what it does to move the needle for military aviation missions. 

Understanding Contractor Logistics Support (CLS)

Okay, so the first thing in understanding what CLS does for the mission is understanding what exactly CLS even is. 

CLS is basically a support strategy where maintenance, supply, and support functions of military systems (in this case, aviation) are farmed out to contracted service providers. These contracts are then overseen by military members to ensure quality and regulatory compliance are all met. 

This approach is applicable to all kinds of areas in the logistics support, parts supply, maintenance, repair, and overhaul, training, and other kinds of tech support. 

Here are a few of the important features of CLS:

  1. Maintenance and repair: contractors are responsible for upkeep and repair of assigned aircraft and equipment. This includes whatever parts of the maintenance process are assigned to the contractors, whether it is line, shop, or base-level (or any military equivalent levels of maintenance). 
  2. Supply chain management: contractors are brought on to run and manage supply chains for parts and materials. This is done to make sure all of the necessary components are available when aviation assets need them. 
  3. Technical support: CLS providers are hired on to provide technical expertise and support for proper equipment functioning. A lot of the talent in the military moves on with PCS-ing, retirements, and conclusions of service commitments. Hiring these personnel back as contractors keeps the pool of expertise available. 
  4. Training: hiring contractors to run training programs for military units is a common practice. Again, it promotes the retention of high-level military talent by giving them somewhere to land without military commitment. 
  5. Cost-effectiveness: face it, the most expensive asset in the military is service personnel. It is often not cost-effective to have military units supporting aircraft, which is why all primary military flight training units have long since gone to CLS for support. 
  6. Performance-based logistics: CLS agreements routinely include performance metrics and incentives, which are part of the performance-based logistics process. 

Integrated Logistical Support Services

Another component of CLS is integrated logistical support (ILS). These services offer a comprehensive approach to make sure a fighting system or associated equipment is effectively supported throughout the lifecycle of the item. 

ILS exists to employ systems with supportability in mind from the beginning. It is there to group logistical concerns and considerations together to build a cohesive plan of attack to support the weapon system. 

Logistics Support Analysis (LSA) and Supply Chain Management

Any weapons system is only as good as the systems and parts to keep it on the battlefield. When you are at an airshow, you see the end result of thousands of hours of work to keep that weapon system in the air. 

Logistics are the bread and butter of all military operations, whether ground, air, or sea. Greenwood Aerospace has spent over four decades perfecting the art of establishing and improving logistics systems and supply chains for military aviation units and assets. Outside of logistics, the other fundamental parts of the equation are support equipment, engineering support, and, of course, contractor logistics support. 

Effective Implementation of CLS

What does it take to effectively implement a CLS?

The first step is to clearly define the scope of the project. Is it strictly line maintenance? Or will it also include shop and base-level maintenance? It needs to identify exactly what specific systems or weapon systems are to be supported. For instance, when the auxiliary power units on the KC-135 were upgraded, the terms of the CLS were all parts and components of the upgrade, along with manpower for the task. This was the scope of the CLS, which was not to be underperformed or exceeded. 

Avionics block upgrades are another common upgrade performed under the CLS model. 

You will need to implement a robust performance modeling and evaluation system to make sure that all milestones and quality control standards are met. 

Best Practices for Success

  • CLS implementation requires a clear understanding of the weapon system’s logistics requirements. I.e., there is no one-size-fits-all approach. 
  • Developing a comprehensive logistics support plan is essential for successful CLS implementation. Build the plan, stick to it, but be ready to pivot if you need to. 
  • CLS providers must deeply understand the respective military branch’s logistics functions and requirements.
  • Effective communication and collaboration between the government agency and CLS provider are critical for success. Communication breakdowns are one of the most common pitfalls in the aircraft logistics and maintenance process, so establishing clear lines of communication and common expectations is extremely important.

Overcoming Challenges and Pitfalls

The biggest problem that you are likely to face are poorly written proposals, poor performing contractors, or weak logistics chains. All of these can be overcome, and the planning phase is the time to do it, not when wrenches are being turned. 

If you can nail the RFP and encapsulate exactly what the scope of the contract needs to be, everyone will be happier in the long run. 

Establishing a supply chain for the process is critical, and Greenwood Aerospace is the professional partner you need to build the strong logistical support necessary for the CLS. 

Optimizing Logistics Support

Your approach to optimizing logistical support should be comprehensive but also strategic. The weapon systems in military aviation all have unique demands that require a unique approach to logistics functions. 

Maintenance and Repair Strategies

CLS providers must develop effective maintenance and repair strategies to minimize downtime and optimize logistics support. While it is understood that there will be downtime for the repairs or upgrades, it is important to keep it to the bare minimum so that the fleet won’t be stretched too thin in the process. 

Depot maintenance and organizational and intermediate maintenance activities are critical components of CLS. Depot maintenance is a core component of the maintenance model that keeps aging aircraft viable and lethal for many years and, in many cases, decades beyond their intended life cycles. CLS providers must deeply understand the weapon system’s maintenance and repair requirements. For instance, engine overhaul requirements vary widely from weapon system to weapon system, and it is on the CLS to understand what those are and why. 

Final Thoughts

The mechanized components of the military function on the back of logistics. Fuel, oil, and parts all feed the machine. While thousands upon thousands of enlisted maintainers keep the aircraft in the air with day-to-day and more advanced repairs, they still require huge amounts of contractor support to stay airworthy. This is where the worldwide CLS concept exists. 

Building a reliable supply chain is one of the most important parts of every military aviation operation, and we are the trusted experts in the field. With over forty years of experience, we have seen it all. Give us a call at (580) 762-2580, or start an online quote!

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