Revising U.S. Army Prepositioned Stock Strategy

The U.S. Army is undertaking a significant overhaul of its global distribution of forward-deployed equipment, known as Army Prepositioned Stocks (APS). This strategic reassessment aims to enhance operational readiness in light of recent shifts in geopolitical dynamics.

Adjustments to the APS Program

Lieutenant General Chris Mohan, the acting commander of Army Materiel Command, indicated that substantial modifications to the APS program are underway. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the program’s necessity beyond mere emergency scenarios. The Army is increasingly utilizing APS resources in routine training exercises.

Rationale Behind the Revisions

This initiative is driven by several key considerations:

• Rapid Crisis Response: The APS program is integral for pre-staging essential military assets—such as weapons, vehicles, and logistical supplies—in strategic locations worldwide, enabling swift reactions to emerging threats.

• Evolving Strategic Landscape: The Army acknowledges the need to adapt the APS framework to align with new strategic priorities, particularly with a heightened focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

Ongoing Collaborative Efforts

General Mohan confirmed that ongoing discussions with combatant commands are crucial in validating these adjustments, with final approvals anticipated from the Secretary of Defense. Major General Gavin Gardner, commander of the Army’s 8th Theater Sustainment Command, emphasized collaboration with the Defense Logistics Agency to address challenges posed by geographical distances within the Pacific operational theater.

• Increased Supply Days: The Army is actively working to enhance the count of “days of supply” across the theater to ensure operational readiness and logistical support.

Changes in Equipment Positioning

In a significant shift, the Army has decided to discontinue the use of APS afloat—prepositioned equipment on ships—due to concerns regarding their operational effectiveness. Instead, the Army is relocating essential equipment to strategic land sites across the Indo-Pacific, such as:

• South Korea
• Philippines
• Australia

These sites will allow the Army to position personnel quickly without the delay of transporting equipment, facilitating faster responses to a range of scenarios, from humanitarian assistance to military crises.

Enhanced Forward Presence

Gardner noted that creating a consolidated equipment repository in these locations would bolster the Army’s deterrent posture. By leaving certain assets with units stationed to the west of the International Date Line, the Army can enhance its persistent forward presence and meet operational demands more cost-effectively.

Alignment with National Defense Strategy

The forthcoming National Defense Strategy is poised to influence the APS restructuring. General Mohan highlighted that APS initiatives will align with the strategy’s emphasis on land-basing capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, signifying a pivotal evolution in military logistics.

Challenges in the Indo-Pacific

However, positioning Army resources in the Indo-Pacific remains complex compared to Europe. General Mohan articulated the intricacies involved, underscoring the importance of bilateral relationships as opposed to a cohesive alliance framework like NATO. Building APS infrastructure in this region is a multifaceted challenge that current and past administrations have grappled with.

Comparison with NATO Efforts

In contrast, NATO has made considerable investments in APS infrastructure in Europe, particularly in Poland, which serves as a model for effective facility design tailored to military specifications. The absence of a similar framework in the Indo-Pacific necessitates innovative diplomatic strategies and logistical solutions.

Path Forward

As the Army navigates this complex transition, General Mohan expressed the need for a sustainable strategy moving forward, acknowledging the ongoing challenges associated with reimagining APS in the Indo-Pacific context. The focus is not just on equipment distribution but also on solidifying strategic relationships that will support future military readiness and deterrence efforts.