From the Warehouse to the Battlefield: The Important Role of the Joint Logistician in Operational Planning

Abstract

Logistics is a key component of a successful campaign or major operation. It is an integral part of operational planning and tactical execution. While it cannot be the sole focus of an operational commander, it is imperative that they appoint logisticians proficient in joint logistics to their staffs to ensure the integration of logistics into every phase of operational planning. Transformation efforts within the Department of Defense have given way to several logistics process improvements; however, there are still areas where improvement will lead to a more agile and fully sustained force. The individual services must not overlook the value of joint training and experience and institute processes to cultivate logisticians who are not only proficient in intra-service logistical requirements, but are also able to effectively function in a joint operational environment. This paper explores current initiatives in developing a corps of joint qualified logisticians and explains what is working and where improvement can be made. Finally, it draws the conclusion that effective transformation is only as good as the people employed to manage its implementation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 10, 2006
Accession Number
ADA463527

Entities

People

  • Dion D. English

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • C4I
  • Cyber

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Combatant Commanders
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Lessons Learned
  • Logistics
  • Military Education
  • Military Operations
  • Military Science
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Training
  • Unified Combatant Commands
  • United States Central Command
  • United States Southern Command
  • United States Transportation Command
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Organizational Process Management (OPM).