Outsourced Fleet Support

1. INTRODUCTION:

With countries deploying troops into multiple operational areas, sometimes simultaneously, the level of availability of the equipment suffers as a result of insufficient in-mission technical resources.

2. WHAT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF OUTSOURCED FLEET SUPPORT SERVICES

The main objective is to optimise operational availability of the Client Fleet by minimizing downtime through the provisioning of cost effective integrated Fleet Support Services.

3. FLEET SUPPORT SERVICES PHILOSOPHY

Outsourcing of specific Fleet Support Services, has been identified as an area in which substantial cost savings can be achieved while at the same time also optimising fleet operational availability. The concept of outsourcing of certain Fleet Support Services is not new in the world and is being utilised by the Defence Forces of countries such as the USA, UK,South Africa and many others. The driving force behind outsourcing Fleet Support Services all over the world is to ensure that vehicles are being maintained at an optimal operational availability level in the most cost effective manner.

Private companies are providing manpower support, operating alongside military technical support personnel, in military facilities, assisting with the repair and maintenance of vehicles. The idea is to create “centres of excellence” at dedicated bases around the country to technically support the Fleet operational formations.

These centres can be staffed by a combination of military and private company personnel. The technical support for the fleet during operations can be obtained from these dedicated “centres of excellence”. In order to be successful, at least the following aspects need to be considered from an integrated Fleet Support Services perspective:

The client will have to remain knowledgeable and responsible and notoutsource its ability to plan and control the maintenance and repair function or service
The cost of outsourcing needs to be managed at an acceptable level
The client’s operational requirements for maintenance and repair services for the fleet will have to be guaranteed
The Client’s Logistical Support System is responsible for the support of their forces. The client must maintain military expertise and capability within the first and second line support areas for all types of operations.

4. ELEMENTS OF FLEET SUPPORT SERVICES

Fleet Support Services are to include at least the following:

Fleet Management Services - Providing and maintaining an IT infrastructure for the availability of fleet management information
Maintenance and Repair - Providing and managing preventative and corrective maintenance for the fleet
Supply Support – Providing and managing the supply of sub-systems and components required for preventative and corrective maintenance on all levels inclusive of pipeline management of repairable units
Training – Providing and managing training for technical personnel

Please download the PDF for the last 25% of the whitepaper.

Download PDF