Protecting the Afloat Logistics Pipeline: Recommendations for the Operational Commander.
Abstract
With 70% of the world's population and 75% of the world's capital cities within 500 miles of the sea, the operational commander will often utilize naval forces as a key instrument in operating across the operational continuum, and in shaping the environment needed to enhance national security. Key to the critical strength of this naval team is naval logistics, as it supports the operational commander's ability to conduct forward presence, peacetime engagement, deterrence operations, timely crisis response, and war at sea and war from the sea. However, nearly all of the ships that comprise the afloat portion of the logistics pipeline are unarmed, and thus vulnerable to enemy attack. By sinking or damaging logistics ships, an enemy can seriously disrupt the synchronization and sequencing of operations, cause logistics to become a tighter constraint, accelerate a culminating point, and even cause an operational commander to abandon an area of operation. And perhaps of greatest concern, severe casualties and delays resulting from attacks on logistics ships may turn public opinion against the operation, and potentially force the National Command Authority to withdraw forces before achieving strategic objectives. To negate the serious ramifications of having the afloat logistics pipeline ruptured, the operational commander thus needs to review the potential threats and then apply prudent force protection. In doing so, he will be better able to project national power, sustain his forces and mitigate the risks associated with keeping his supply ships defenseless.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 18, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA351763
Entities
People
- Francis X. Tisak
Organizations
- Naval War College