Logistics Modernization: The Answer to Attrition Logistics

Abstract

Advancements in tactics, equipment, and technology have been utilized extensively within the aviation combat element (ACE) and ground combat element (GCE) over the last two decades to dramatically increase their range and lethality on the battlefield. However, commensurate improvements have not occurred within the Marine air ground task force's (MAGTF) combat service support element (CSSE), which has resulted in a capabilities gap between the fast moving, highly efficient "teeth" of the MAGTF, and its antiquated and unresponsive "tail." The inability of the CSSE, with its capabilities rooted in the tactics and technology inherited from its "attrition warfare" oriented predecessors, to support the highly mobile and maneuvercentric warfighters of the ACE and GCE was clearly demonstrated in Operation Iraqi Freedom I (OIF I). Lack of a well defined command and control (C2) architecture, reliance on antiquated and non-interoperable supply and maintenance systems, lack of total asset visibility (TAV) and in-transit visibility (ITV) within the MAGTF, and the radically different task organization adopted by the CSSE in theater, all contributed to its inability to provide responsive combat service support (CSS) to the MAGTF's maneuver forces.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 07, 2006
Accession Number
ADA504572

Entities

People

  • C. K. Cannon

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Attrition
  • Battlefields
  • Command And Control
  • Communities
  • Information Systems
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Maneuvers
  • Marine Corps
  • Rear Areas
  • Supply Chain
  • Task Forces
  • United States
  • Visibility
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

  • Fully Networked C3
  • Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control