Does the United States' Strategic Mobility Program Support the Needs of Operational Commanders
Abstract
Does the Department of Defense's strategic mobility program meet the needs of operational commanders? More importantly, what challenges do operational commanders face because of the inability to project certain capabilities? This monograph argues that the Department of Defense's shortfalls in strategic sealift will limit a ground commander's operational reach, tempo, simultaneity, depth, phasing, transitions, and synergy, while increasing risk and the possibility of early culmination. This work goes into depth with regard to the need for the right mix of large and medium sized roll-on roll-off vessels. In addition, this study explains sealift shortcomings in terms that relate to how an operational commander prosecutes his overall fight. In order to achieve this goal the quantitative research associated with this study goes through a qualitative analysis. The research results of this study then undergo an examination using the elements of operational design such as operational reach, tempo, simultaneity, risk, and culmination. These concepts are the method this study uses to compare quantitative and qualitative data. This monograph uses the United States military's deployments to Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, and Operation Unified Response in Haiti as case studies to examine sealift. Additionally, two notional case studies are conducted using African ports in Nigeria and Kenya to illustrate what may occur during future deployments to those areas. The findings of the study are that the Department of Defense does not possess the right mix of large and medium sealift that best supports operational commanders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA536555
Entities
People
- Erik E. Hilberg
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College