USTRANSCOM Reorganization
Abstract
The form and functions of USTRANSCOM have been debated since even before its inception. NIFTY NUGGET, a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) command post exercise (CPX) in the fall of 1978 clearly identified the need to consolidate wartime mobilization and deployment planning. This led to the creation of the Joint Deployment Agency (JDA). Its job was to integrate the automated data processing (ADP) systems and deployment planning of the transportation operating agencies (TOAs). JDA had only the authority to coordinate. It could not compel the TOAs to comply. There were numerous studies and recommendations to form a unified transportation command. The last of these, the President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Defense Management finally led to the formation of USTRANSCOM in October 1988. USTRANSCOM's mission was wartime planning and execution. In peace time the TOAs under the service departments operated the Defense Transportation System (DTS). Exercise PROUD EAGLE 90, another mobilization and deployment exercise revealed continuing problems in traffic management and integration of ADP systems. Additionally the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) comptroller review of the Vander Schaaf (Deputy DOD IG) recommendations in July 1990 and a Defense Management Review (DMR) on consolidation of USTRANSCOM and its components caused CINCUSTRANSCOM to recommend sweeping changes. In November 1990 the Chairman and JCS approved most of the recommended changes. This paper traces the history of USTRANSCOM, outlines the recommended and approved changes, and analyzes their impact.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA236897
Entities
People
- Charles L. Engstrom
Organizations
- United States Army War College