Sea Based Logistics: Full Speed Ahead.
Abstract
Reduced access to and availability of forward-based military installations can impede the operational commander's reach in projecting combat power and constrain his logistics effort. Emerging concepts have been proposed that mitigate infrastructure reduction without sacrificing support to the fluid nature of logistics. Sea Based Logistics (SBL) is the conceptual centerpiece of how the United States Marine Corps (USMC) envisions logistics support and sustainment for the next century. This research project enthusiastically advocates SBL. After defining SBL and presenting the thesis, the paper begins with a brief historical perspective of sea basing and SBL. A summation of adopted business practices and developments in modern logistics as they pertain to SBL follows. The importance of sealift and current SBL capabilities provides a point of departure for SBL's future. Emphasis is placed on what present-day naval expeditionary forces can do to further exploit and encapsulate the fusion of SBL. The author's principal focus includes an analysis of what SBL offers the operational commander. The brief scope of this effort leaves opportunities for others to argue the many unresolved and difficult SBL issues. SBL provides the operational commander the means to further extend his operational reach through the integration of business practices, emerging technologies, and the use of available sealift platforms. With continued refinement and increased sophistication of SBL platforms, naval expeditionary forces will continue to provide the operational commander an added dimension and enhanced force multiplier. SBL provides the operational commander with the synchronization of the right forces, material, and support, in the right quantity, at the right place and right time.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 05, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA363451
Entities
People
- Joseph K. Haviland
Organizations
- Naval War College