Logistics Integration: Closing the Gap

Abstract

Far too often well-intentioned operational plans are built on unrealistic assumptions of the logistics infrastructure. Oftentimes the joint logistics planner does not understand the interconnection of operational requirements and logistics requirements. Joint logistics planning requirements must effectively integrate with joint operational planning requirements to achieve future objectives. This thesis begins with background information on the establishment of the joint enterprise. Despite joint operations and joint logistics having evolved during campaigns in World War II and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the integration of operations and logistics planning has lagged behind. Research demonstrates specific disconnects in planning that occurred in 1944, and again in 2003, to make the case that operations and logistics integration need to be improved. Chapter 2 draws on the research to determine the methodology essentials for joint operations and joint logistics planning integration. An examination of current doctrine for logistics and operations provides a framework for integrating joint operations and joint logistics via doctrine. Chapter 3 identifies the Defense Logistics Agency and U.S. Transportation Command as essential joint logistics components, and highlights their capability to support operations and logistics planners. Chapter 4 reflects on the integration failures that occurred during World War II and Iraqi Freedom and discusses how integration can better serve the joint force in the future.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 18, 2012
Accession Number
ADA562161

Entities

People

  • Keith A. Capper

Organizations

  • National Defense University

Tags

Communities of Interest

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

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Business Administration
  • Deployment
  • Ground Vehicles
  • Iraqi-War
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Planning
  • Maintenance
  • Military History
  • National Security
  • Naval Operations
  • Navy
  • Second World War
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • United States
  • United States Transportation Command
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.