TLOG: Training and Educating Operational Logistic Planners
Abstract
When GEN McKiernan and LTG Wallace began planning operations in Iraq, they were able to draw upon a pool of graduates from the School for Advanced Military Studies (SAMS). Unlike the operational planning, there was no pool of trained logistics planners to call upon to plan the logistics support for a campaign covering over 1,100 kilometers. To solve this shortfall, the Combined Arms Support Command (CASCOM) created the Theater Logistics (TLog) Studies Program. The purpose of the course is to produce graduates who possess the agility, innovation, knowledge and decision analysis to solve logistical problems in today's complex environment. This monograph analyzes the effectiveness of TLog's current curriculum in meeting the course's goal. To conduct the analysis, this paper creates a recommended course framework based on underlying skills derived from the course's stated purpose. Case studies of recent operational logistic missions and field interviews with logistic planners further identified the knowledge, skills, and abilities required by operational logistic planners. Examination of the course's purpose, case studies and interviews showed that operational logistic planners must be trained and educated in three areas: operational knowledge, problem solving abilities, and corporate business skills. Using these three areas, an analysis of the current course curriculum identifies that TLog provides a substantive education of operational logistics knowledge, teaches statistical data analysis, incorporates MDMP in its practical exercises and passively provides opportunities to practice corporate business skills. However, the current design does not include the breadth required in the area of operational knowledge as it does not introduce the students to the concepts of operational campaign design. Nor does the current curriculum provide the depth in problem solving skills needed to meet the course objective.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA485645
Entities
People
- Rebecca M. Freeze
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College