A Strategic Mobility Imperative: LOTS to Do

Abstract

The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has been working diligently to resolve the challenges of containerization as they impact on the deployment and sustainment of forces across austere beach environments in overseas theaters of operation. After conducting two major Joint Logistics-Over- The-Shore Tests (JLOTS I and II) and numerous exercises, the services are still wrestling with the problems that sea state conditions and beach gradients negatively impose on a LOTS operation. This study seeks to determine what is the services' present LOTS capability in supporting low and mid-level intensity conflicts when fixed ports are denied, damaged, or otherwise unavailable. By analyzing the requirements, identifying the shortfalls, recommending solutions. and developing a logistics force package based on a nucleus fleet of specially designed multi-purpose fast sealift vessels, coupled with air cushioned vehicles, the services can provide the theater CINC with an assured deployment and sustainment capability to areas of his choosing, instead of to less defensible locations dictated by major seaports. (sdw)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 1990
Accession Number
ADA219681

Entities

People

  • Peter H. Varis

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Amphibians
  • Congress
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Deployment
  • Employment
  • Logistics
  • Military Equipment
  • Military History
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Surface Effect Ships
  • Task Forces
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design