**Norwegian Study Reveals Key to Resilient Military Logistics**
A groundbreaking study from the Norwegian Defence University College has uncovered critical links between command and control (C2) and supply chain resilience in military operations. The research, led by Lasse Elvemo at the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy, offers actionable insights for defence organisations, including how responsiveness, recovery, and capacity contribute to operational effectiveness.
Published in the *Scandinavian Journal of Military Studies*, the study surveyed 74 military logistics experts at tactical and operational levels, using scenario-based questions and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for analysis. The results reveal that while responsiveness, recovery, and capacity are vital to supply chain resilience (SCRES), their interactions are complex, with some factors showing weaker significance than others.
For Elvemo, this complexity underscores the need for better preparedness. “Military logistics is inherently dynamic,” he explains. “Our findings show that strong command and control structures are not just beneficial but essential for maintaining operational effectiveness during disruptions.”
**Implications for Defence and Beyond**
The research has far-reaching implications, particularly for organisations relying on robust supply chains—including the energy sector. As geopolitical and environmental threats continue to disrupt global supply networks, the study’s focus on resilience and adaptability offers valuable lessons.
One key takeaway is the need for organisations to balance responsiveness with long-term capacity. For example, in the oil and gas industry, where logistics play a critical role in ensuring continuous operations, this research could inform strategies for maintaining supply chain integrity during crises.
Elvemo’s study also introduces a novel method for assessing SCRES, providing defence and preparedness organisations with practical tools to enhance their logistics strategies. As he notes, “Understanding these relationships helps us build systems that are not only resilient but also adaptable to future challenges.”
**Future Directions**
The findings suggest that further research into the human factors influencing SCRES could yield additional insights. For instance, how leadership decisions at different levels impact resilience during extended disruptions remains an open question.
For now, the study serves as a foundation for developing training programmes and policy frameworks that strengthen military logistics—and by extension, logistics in high-stakes industries like energy. By applying these principles, organisations can better prepare for the disruptions of tomorrow.
As Elvemo concludes, “This research is just the beginning. The next step is translating these findings into actionable strategies that ensure resilience across all levels of operations.”
