Role of the Inland Waterways System during Mobilization
Abstract
An efficient and effective transportation system is vital to national defense. The ability to transport troops, equipment, and material quickly and to mobilize and sustain industrial power is essential in war. This thesis examines the Department of Defense's (DOD) use of the inland waterways system during mobilization. The study furnishes a historical and present-day review of the inland waterway system. The thesis also addresses the military's current use of the inland waterways system. The emphasis of the thesis is on exploring the potential cost savings available in using inland waterway transportation for unit movements. There is potential for the military to realize sizable cost savings by moving unit equipment over the inland waterways. The paper proposes that DOD planners use Gulf coast ports as points of entry for returning equipment. These Roll-on/Roll-off (RO/RO) capable ports can provide low-cost waterborne transport when moving military units returning from overseas deployment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245877
Entities
People
- Gary W. Kertz
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School