Land systems are critical to operations in any military unit. Land systems are not just for infantry and artillery units, they are also needed by unit support and logistics units. However, most land systems operations fall under one of the three main categories: maintenance and repair, construction, or support.
The more varied the type of land system you operate, the more likely you are to have an operational functioning land system. If you’re looking to own and operate a land system for your organization, here are a few tips that’ll help make your selection process go as smoothly as possible:
Do your research
One of the most important things you can do when it comes to land systems is to do your research. Thankfully, the Internet has made this process a breeze. You can find documentation, test reports, and reviews on any equipment you desire.
There are even tools such as the DTI Land Systems Test Procedure to help guide you in your research. After reviewing the available options, choose the one that best meets your organization’s needs.
Be ready to make compromises
When it comes to land systems, compromise is key. Choose the system that best meets your organization’s needs, but make sure you are willing to make some compromises to do so. A good land system should be able to withstand the wear and tear that a unit or individual would put upon it. You also want to make sure that the system is efficient and beneficial to the organization as a whole.
Additionally, you want to choose a system that will work best in your location. In general, Elbit land systems that are much more mobile than you will be, such as tracked or wheeled vehicles, will perform better at staging areas and other fixed locations. On the other hand, fixed systems are less mobile, but they do have the advantage of being able to be completely self-sufficient.
Be flexible
When it comes to land systems, you will almost always find a trade-off between flexibility and efficiency. No one land system can be used for everything. Land systems need to be flexible enough to be able to be repositioned quickly to support different tasks, but not so flexible that they are a liability when off-base.
To find the right balance between flexibility and efficiency, you’ll want to consider the following:
How will the land system be used? – Almost every land system is suited to a specific purpose, be it maintenance or repair, construction, or support. Make sure you’re aware of the land system’s intended use and the different roles that each system will play.
How much do you want to spend? – Every land system has an associated price, and it’s important to understand the system’s cost before purchasing.
Rule out those less important than you think
When you’re conducting your research, you’ll want to make sure that you are not buying into the hype. You’ll want to make sure that you are not purchasing a brand or model that promises a certain level of performance or efficiency that it does not deliver.
When you’re in the market for a new land system, you’ll want to make sure that you are not falling for snake-oil salesmen. Do your research, find out what other units in your organization are using, and make sure that the system is capable of performing at a level that you require.
Check the quality of equipment you’re interested in purchasing
Just because a manufacturer has a good track record and a good reputation, that doesn’t mean that their equipment is guaranteed to work. Make sure you thoroughly test equipment before using it on a mission.
Additionally, check the condition of the equipment after deployment, as equipment that is in good condition when received may fall apart as soon as it gets deployed. Make sure you know how to properly test equipment and document any issues you encounter. This will help you avoid costly downtime, service calls, and repair costs in the long run.
Conclusion
Buying a land system can be a very expensive mistake. Land systems are complex systems that require very specific maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. If you’re not prepared to deal with the logistics of operating a system, you may end up spending more money on maintenance and repairs than you would have saved purchasing the system in the first place. That being said, if you do your research and buy equipment that is appropriate for your operation, land systems can be a very profitable component of your organization.
