Excess Baggage: Is it Time to Cut Back on What We Take to the Fight?
Abstract
History has proven that logistics is the key to successful military operations. Each service plays a crucial role in providing logistics for their forces; however, to ensure efficient and effective logistics for the Joint Task Force (JTF), someone needs to oversee the end-to-end logistics pipeline. As Distribution Process Owner (DPO), USTRANSCOM has set up a theater command and control (C2) construct that includes the Director of Mobility Forces (DIRMOBFOR) and the Deployment Distribution Operations Center (DDOC). This paper examines the C2 construct to determine if redundancies exist and whether one or the other function should be eliminated. The thesis is supported through a task analysis of the doctrinal tasks assigned to the DIRMOBFOR and the DDOC. The analysis focuses on the C2 relationship of the DIRMOBFOR and the DDOC with the goal of examining how each contributes to the accomplishment of USTRANSCOM's mission. The analysis identifies the tasks required to bridge the gaps between the three levels of logistics; strategic, operational, and tactical. The comparison of tasks shows the DDOC has clearer C2 links and therefore provides a better foundation for executing operational logistics than the DIRMOBFOR. The paper recommends that the DDOC Chief assume the in-theater duties previously assigned to the DIRMOBFOR and eliminate the latter position because its functions are redundant and adversely affect JTF C2.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 27, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA535287
Entities
People
- Shawn E. Teagan
Organizations
- Naval War College