Enhancing the Army's Strategic Deployability

Abstract

Since the end of the cold war, the US Army has become a force-projection Army with reduced forward basing. With increased overseas commitments, the Army's ability to conduct strategic deployment is more important than ever. In the next decade, the Army will deploy "interim", forces that are more deployable because they are lighter and require a reduced logistical tail as compared to heavy forces. While there is no question that these medium "interim" forces are more deployable than Force XXI units; they lack the firepower and protection that the Army's heavy forces provide. The Army's inclusion of medium weight units in the force does not obviate the need for heavy forces. Heavy forces, combined with interim forces, will remain a critical part of the Army's power projection force. This monograph examines a range of possible actions the nation could take in the effort to improve strategic deployability to include: expanding/optimizing the use of CRAF; modifying the Army's equipment pre-positioning system; increasing the procurement of strategic airlifters; modifying the strategic sealift procurement; and Army force structure modifications. This monograph concludes that the assumptions concerning the requirements for strategic lift should be re-examined in light of the current global environment and US strategic lift capabilities. As the C-17 replaces the C-14l, there may exist a capabilities gap in the military strategic airtleet Modified civilian passenger aircraft could fulfill this role for the military. There is also reason for concern with strategic sealift. The Merchant Marine's ability to crew the RRF is suspect and they may soon be incapable of filling the estimated 4000 billets required in a prolonged conflict. Aside from lift assets, the Army is making some significant internal changes which should enhance deployability.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 2000
Accession Number
ADA383737

Entities

People

  • Wilson A. Shoffner

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircraft Equipment
  • Aircraft Industry
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Combat Vehicles
  • Commercial Aircraft
  • Deployment
  • Freight Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Military Aircraft
  • Multiple Launch Rocket System
  • National Security
  • Passenger Aircraft
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Transport Aircraft
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.