Operation Watchtower: The Battle for Guadalcanal -- A Foundation for Future USAF Expeditionary Aerospace Force (EAF) Logistics Transformation

Abstract

An analysis of Operation Watchtower, the battle for Guadalcanal during World War II, provides a valuable template for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to use for the transformation of logistics in an expeditionary environment. Using Operation Watchtower as a template for USAF Logistics Transformation (LT) is relevant for two reasons. First, Operation Watchtower was the first modern day expeditionary operation for the Marines. The USAF is entering new territory and can use the Marine Corps' extensive expeditionary experience during Operation Watchtower as a guide for its own expeditionary operations. Second, the Americans achieved a successful outcome despite long lines of communications because they applied the principles of logistics and integrated warfighting functions more effectively than the Japanese did. Likewise, the USAF must ensure that LT mutually supports the EAF concept of logistics. The principles of logistics and the combination of logistics and the other warfighting functions must be validated against LT attributes to ensure that LT will effectively support USAF expeditionary operations. Although LT initiatives cannot directly impact manpower and equipment shortfalls, LT must revamp logistics processes to reduce FOL setup time and improve expeditionary sustainment. The concept of reengineering traditional logistics processes is innovative and challenging, yet, the USAF should be careful not to completely leverage logistics doctrine on "commercial only" best practices without keeping its processes focused on the warfighter. Often, new initiatives like LT become popular at the headquarters level because of the potential for significant manpower cuts or huge dollar savings. Traditional military logistics processes are notoriously redundant and complex, but effective during the "fog" and "friction" of war. LT must ensure that there is a proper balance between commercial efficiency and military effectiveness.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA526236

Entities

People

  • Patrick T. Kumashiro

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Amphibious Operations
  • Business Administration
  • Deployment
  • Information Systems
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Management Personnel
  • Military History
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Second World War
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Supply Depots
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Computer Engineering
  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.

Technology Areas

  • Space