What determines resilience in military Class 8B logistic systems, and knowing these determinants, how can we enhance Estonian military Class 8B logistic system resilience?

Abstract

The thesis initially undertakes review and discussion of current concepts of resilience in society, referencing current theories of societal resilience. It then focusses on NATO’s own current working concept of resilience and extends this to a discussion of logistic resilience. A key element in this discussion is the allegation that NATO’s resilience systems are too ‘top down’, lacking strong individual and community foundational bases. Presenting supply chain resilience assessment methodologies from the commercial supply chain sector and relating these to military logistic applications is a key aspect which is included in this discussion.
The thesis then considers the key factors which influence military medical logistic resilience including factors such as enemy action and international humanitarian law, often overlooked by non-military commentators on resilience, who typically restrict their comments to commercial supply chain and commercial logistic areas.
The thesis then focusses on input factors specific to Class 8B logistic resilience and illustrates these using the example of the Estonian Defence Force Class 8B logistic system .In undertaking this review, the importance of civilian and military relationships and influence is highlighted. The former element is most typified by the Estonian national health board blood supply system coupled with enabling Estonian national legislation. The latter is illustrated by the Estonian Defence Force, particularly in its close and interdependent relationship with the correspondingly larger civil system.
Finally, the thesis lists and briefly discusses specific recommendations on how the Estonian military Class 8B system could be rendered more resilient, especially with regard to the seven key military logistic resilience inputs affecting resilience which have been identified in an earlier chapter.
The conclusion finishes with reflections on the lacunae in this area which would lend themselves readily to future research.

Date of Award	28 Oct 2021
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Maynooth University
Supervisor	David Murphy (Supervisor)