Fully Burdened Cost of Retrograde, Redeployment, Reconstitution, and Reset and Analysis of Alternatives (FBCR4 & AoA): New Model to Formulate Strategic Decisions for Deployed Ground Vehicle Equipment

Abstract

The retrograde cost for Afghanistan is complex and involves many uncertainties, yet is a part of military operations when nations go to war. This thesis introduces the fully burdened cost of retrograde, redeployment, reconstitution, and reset and analysis of alternatives (FBCR4 & AoA) as an estimating tool that can be used to analyze many of the different variables included in bringing equipment home. The tool can be tailored for future major retrogrades. The distinctive characteristic of this tool, in comparison to conventional estimating tools, is that it aggregates all major activities, while synchronizing data from multiple DoD agencies. The primary objective of this thesis is to aggregate the numerous variables, fees, and constraints of R4 for any combat theater in order to contemporaneously assist in executing the Commandant's strategy while informing key leadership of critical R4 cost analysis. The second objective is to equip DoD planners with the framework for solving retrograde dilemmas in future conflicts. By conducting the FBCR4 process for vehicles, the researchers developed an estimated cost of 63 percent of the vehicle's original procurement cost. Our analysis of the data gathered also indicates, a total estimated cost savings of $139.8M, by selling all M-ATVs to foreign allies.