Future of Joint Logistics: A Proposal for Achieving True Joint Logistics Within the American Military

Abstract

The United States Department of Defense and its armed services have debated the need for joint logistics for a number of years. Current operations in the War on Terror couped with actions to transform the services have renewed the discussion on requirements for joint logistics at the strategic theater and/or joint force level. In support of transformation the United States requires a logistics system that can support a joint force. This logistics system requires the characteristics described in Joint Operations Concepts and the capabilities outlined in the Focused Logistics Joint Functional Concept. Regional combatant commands and joint doctrine confirm the need for joint logistics. Despite the recognized need for this capability much work remains to bring joint logistics to reality. Services do not yet agree on what joint logistics capabilities are required or on the need role or structure of a joint logistics command. This paper examines the need for joint logistics at the strategic and operational levels and links these needs to current logistics initiatives. It describes required capabilities and characteristics and provides courses of action. The paper concludes with a recommended course of action and describes some of the factors that could influence resistance to change.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 2006
Accession Number
ADA449398

Entities

People

  • David D. Dworak

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combatant Commanders
  • Command And Control
  • Deployment
  • Education
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Management
  • Logistics Planning
  • Logistics Support
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • Organizational Structure
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States
  • United States European Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).