Creating A Theater-Based Operational Link Between Strategic Mobility and Theater-Level Logistics For The Joint Task Force Commander
Abstract
During contingencies U.S. Joint Force Commanders (JFCs) need forces and materiel delivered precisely when and where required. Only the correct delivery of these commodities will help JFCs mitigate risk to U.S. (and coalition) forces, accomplish mission essential tasks, and safeguard precious human life during contingencies. US Transportation Command's (USTRANSCOM) air component, Air Mobility Command (AMC), has codified in doctrine the concept of the Director of Mobility Forces (DIRMOBFOR). This senior military leader deploys to the theater during contingencies to sequence and control all inter-theater and intra-theater airlift, fulfilling JFC operational intent. In contrast, forces arriving by sealift managed by Military Sealift Command (MSC), or prepositioned and under Service component control, do not have a DIRMOBFOR equivalent. Thus, today, no in-theater agency synchronizes the distribution of prepositioned or other sealifted stocks with the arrival of scheduled lift. This means that no operational-level theater mechanism exists to coalesce these critical logistical elements into a cogent response to JFC mission demands. This paper proposes a theater Joint Mobility component (JMOB). Under this centralized command structure, airlift, sealift, prepositioned stocks, and theater distribution can be prioritized and sequenced to match the JFC's operational design. The JMOB will institute USTRANSCOM's Strategic Defense Management Initiative (SDMI) distribution scheme to move resources efficiently into the theater and through the theater logistics pipeline. Thus, assumed self synchronization will be replaced by unprecedented unity of effort.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420406
Entities
People
- Keith W. Moncrief
Organizations
- Naval War College