The US Marine Corps is modernizing its fuel distribution system

The US Marine Corps Systems Command has begun development of a new Expeditionary Fuel Distribution (EFDS) technology to meet the fueling needs of future battlefields.

EFDS can reconfigure legacy fuel systems, including amphibious fuel systems and fuel distribution systems of tactical airfields“into smaller, more nimble expedient opportunities.”

The compact fuel tank allows commanders to use individual mass fuel possibilities instead of inconvenient and outdated fuel systems during missions.

“EFDS enables Marine Corps Systems Command to replace legacy systems,” EFDS Lead Logist Linnis Hobbs said.

“We’re looking at a much smaller footprint. EFDS allows us to take a 1.1 million gallon fuel farm and break it down into much smaller pieces,” said Master Sgt. Vidal Rojas Giron added. “It really makes things a lot more manageable.”

Increasing the performance of fuel dispensing

Logistical failures during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the decentralization of fuel systems, according to the US Marine Corps. This observation was adapted to develop the newest Marine Corps EFDS capability.

“Unlike the logistical buildup seen in past conflicts, our adversaries — as the recently released National Security Strategy calls it — can identify our ‘liquid mountains’ with their ISR assets and reach us with their weapon system capabilities.” said the major. Craig Warner explained.

“Understanding that fuel is a primary commodity, EFDS allows the fleet commander to understand the mission they are assigned and then select equipment packages to suit the specific scenario while operating and sustaining in an enemy combat zone.”

Better understanding of inventory

After implementing the latest EFDS, the systems command is reviewing the available fuel systems.

The U.S. Marine Corps Engineer Systems Manager, II Expeditionary Force, Logistics Command, and Storage Command conducted an inventory of all fuel stocks at Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Georgia.

A logistics base in Barstow, California, plans to conduct a similar inventory in 2023.

“Now we have a much better understanding of our inventory. We will be able to ship equipment to the fleet immediately, improving their material readiness, and we now have better data to support our acquisitions and develop cost-of-living estimates,” Hobbs noted.