Operational Contract Support: Where We Are and Where We Go From Here
Abstract
It is indisputable that defense contractors have played a vital role in US warfare historically. Without a drastic change in the way the US executes joint operations, they will continue to do so into the future. Contractor support of the military dates back prior to the Revolutionary War, and has continued to be a part of every conflict since then.1 To highlight the current reliance upon non-organic support, the ratio of troops to contractors has gone from 10:1in Desert Storm in 1991 to 1:1.4 in Afghanistan in 2010.2 Additionally, in 2007, contractor personnel accounted for 50 of US manpower in the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR).3 By 2012, contractor personnel represented 72 of US manpower inAfghanistan.4 These contractors are performing myriad roles, from force protection to military training to peacekeeping operations.5 Simply stated, in this day and age, it is impossible to deploy without [contractors].6 However, the US does a poor job of identifying operational shortfalls early enough to ensure maximum benefit from non-organic sources. Historically, this is a trend that carries into todays operations and necessitates increased focus beginning from the shaping phase. Rarely, if ever, does the military properly prepare for the various support mechanisms this extensive contractor footprint requires.7 Operational Contract Support (OCS) is the concept that is meant to change all of that. This paper begins with a look at OCS background and specifics. From there, it examines OCS advantages and disadvantages via a doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities and policy(DOTMLP-F) approach. Next, it will analyze survey results pertaining to OCS and, finally, conclude with recommendations going forward, primarily for the US Air Force officer corps.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1055033
Entities
People
- Leah M. Meyer
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College