Increasing Operational Mobility
Abstract
Operational mobility is currently one of the most significant limiting factors in the U.S. military's ability to meet contingencies. This study examines the four major methods currently used to achieve military responsiveness, and evaluates their effectiveness. They are forward-basing of troops, airlift, sealift, and prepositioning of equipment. These methods are in large part complementary rather than mutually exclusive. However, within today's realities of a smaller military force and a reduced budget, afloat prepositioning is determined to offer the most cost-effective, flexible, and responsive method for increasing current operational mobility. The study also suggests that afloat prepositioning can be increased with existing funds and assets. It is recommended that one division set of POMCUS material be prepositioned on a combination of fast sealift ships, the Army's PREPO ships, and/or Ready Reserve Force ships. The study concludes that this reallocation of assets would create a new capability for the operational commander: a highly mobile, heavily mechanized, division-sized force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 19, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250264
Entities
People
- Donald T. Lindboe
Organizations
- Naval War College