Logistic interoperability

1Lt. Andrea R. Agnella
First published May 21, 2003

The search for the maximal interoperability is currently one of the most important matters in logistics. Taking advantage of this occasion given by the German - Italian Battle Group (GEIT BG), the G4 Branch organised the first recovery exercise done at this level. The aim of the exercise was to improve the general knowledge of personnel by using theoretical methods.

Rajlovac - Practical demonstrations highlighted the possibilities of recovering and also the difficulties connected with this operation. The commitment of German and Italian personnel was really impressing. They really racked their brains to find the proper 'recovery solution' for each vehicle.
Recovery means interoperability
Despite the hottest day of the season (up to this date), German and Italian recovery teams worked very hard to try and verify the interoperability of national recovery assets with vehicles belonging to the other nation. "It's a good opportunity to check the capabilities of our national recovery means in case they have to deal with non - national vehicles," said German Capt. Andreas Wolf, G4 Ops Log SO. Cranes, heavy equipment transporters and trailers dealt with the kind of logistic vehicles most used: reconnaissance vehicles (German lorry 'Wolf', and Italian VM90/T and VM90/P), personnel and freight transport vehicles. The exercise showed sufficient interoperability between German and Italian assets even if, due to the different features among the vehicles, some of the paper-planned operations were not possible.
"When a greenhorn thinks of recovery, everything seems simple and smooth… Today I had the confirmation that regarding recovery, as in all fields of logistic, details are significant; the main concerns regarding German craning vehicles were focused on the lifting points: the position and the shape of these were sometimes a real obstacle for the towing operation," explained Italian 1Lt. Andrea R. Agnella, G4 Officer.
The road to a MILU
"MILU (Multinational Integrated Logistic Unit) is the desired end state of Multinational close co-operation. Thinking about this kind of unit, at a Company level for instance, you have to take into account all aspects of logistic support, recovery as well. This exercise unveiled some real physical limits to total integration in all fields of logistics," said German Lt. Col. Bernhard Rabe, G4 Chief.
Looking at the future and at the possibility of creating this type of units, standardisation is a mandatory point. A clear message emerged from this exercise: there is a strong will of co-operation between Germans and Italians: a so-called mechanical problem will not stop this great willpower.

Related link:
Nations of SFOR: Germany, Italy