Navy Organic Theater Airlift: A Viable Option for the Operational Warfighter.
Abstract
This paper introduces the reader to the structure, capability, and accessibility of the Naval Reserve Force's Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons to Unified Comander's in Chief (CINCs), and matches these capabilities against the warfighter's typical theater airlift requirements. As part of the Navy's 'Total Force' concept, active and reserve forces operating together to maximimze U.S. combat capability, Fleet Logistics Support Squadrons of the Naval Reserve operating C-9/C-130/C-20 aircraft are a critical component to deployed fleet operations. Not just a force in reserve, but a force 'in being', these squadrons represent the Navy's sole organic theater airlift capability, providing high-tempo, responsive, flexible, and reliable intratheater movement of high-priority personnel and cargo to the constantly moving carrier battle and amphibious ready groups, 365 days-a-year, around-the-clock, and around the world. Theater airlift is a valuable resource in which demand invariably exceeds supply. CINCs and Joint Task Force Commanders, as well as Naval component commanders and their staffs, need to be informed and enlightened regarding this capability, and consider utilization of these assets during the contingency planning phase across the full range of joint military operations. Total force and logistic war gaming exercises validate the requirement for CINCs to maintain a robust and flexible intratheater airlift capability to employ and sustain a military force able to fight and win. An understanding of the capability that the Naval Reserve can bring to the theater of operations in this regard, as well as the accessibility of this important resource, will result in greater force leverage, operational reach, and sustainment for the theater commander.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 20, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA312647
Entities
People
- John M. Thompson
Organizations
- Naval War College