: This paper analyzes the combat service support concept of focused logistics in support of a Force Projection Army. The paper begins with an introduction to the differences between mass logistical practices of the past and the beginning and introduction of focused logistics. A brief explanation and introduction about focused logistics is given. This is followed by an explanation about why the United States Army has adopted this program. The focused logistics concept is then analyzed using the six tenets of the Revolution in Military Logistics, a seamless logistical system, distribution-based logistics, agile infrastructure, total asset visibility, rapid force projection, and an adequate logistical footprint, for their applicability to a Force Projection Army. Finally, the paper draws a conclusion about the viability and usefulness of focused logistics to the United States Army. This paper argues that focused logistics will support a force projection army and that the savings realized will help lead the United States Army into the 21st Century.

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA375035&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Focused Logistics and Support for Force Projection in Force XXI and Beyond

: This monograph examines the causes of battlefield distribution challenges and failures at the operational level during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The hypothesis is that following the logistics challenges noted during Operation Desert Storm the Army mistakenly pursued a course of reforms during the 1990s that focused on business efficiencies at the expense of battlefield effectiveness. The reductive hypothesis that velocity management and "Just-in-Time" logistics borrowed from civilian industry would succeed on the battlefield also obviated the need to assign process ownership for doctrinal, technological and materiel development. The monograph concludes that the Army currently does not have an effective operational concept for battlefield distribution. The recommendations focus on revising battlefield distribution doctrine, Army battlefield distribution process ownership, distribution C4I system development, and avoiding the root causes of future failures. Given the critical importance of distribution-based logistics to an Army transforming while at war as part of a joint team, the integrity and effectiveness of the Army's current Battlefield Distribution system must be critically assessed and fixed.

Army Battlefield Distribution Through the Lens of OIF: Logical Failures and the Way Ahead

: The importance of securing lines of communication (LOC) during warfare has been recognized since the time of Sun Tzu and Thucydides. An Army in the field must be consistently resupplied if it is to function effectively. Despite the importance of LOC security, doctrine provides very little guidance for commanders and planners in this area. Many critical lessons concerning LOC security were learned during the Vietnam War; these lessons are being relearned today in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). This monograph examines current LOC security doctrine and the execution of LOC security during the Vietnam War and OIF. The author asserts that the Army is relearning lessons from Vietnam concerning LOC security at the operational level. The Vietnam War and now OIF have both presented some uncommon yet very similar challenges in this respect. The author will explore both of these conflicts to gain a better understanding of insights and knowledge gained concerning LOC security to prevent these lessons from being learned a third time. The research focuses primarily on ground LOC security from port to major logistics bases in a theater of operations or joint operations area. The monograph concludes by recommending the addition of Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) equipped units to every Brigade Combat Team. One of the primary missions assigned these units should be LOC security and convoy escort. It also recommends the creation of a separate field manual for theater-sustaining operations security to fill the current doctrinal void. Finally, to assist in planning for LOC security, the areas of communication, convoy security, regional response forces, and route clearance and maintenance should always be considered.

Lines of Communication Security in the Contemporary Operational Environment

: This monograph examines the extent to which logistics distribution influences operational art. The thesis is that distribution is the essential element of logistics that facilitates operational art and that secure lines of communication (LOCs) and infrastructure are the essence of the distribution system. Theoretical, doctrinal, and historical criteria are used to analyze secure lines of communication and infrastructure to test the thesis. The analyses show the relationship they have to operational art. These findings have several implications for operational art. LOCs and infrastructure represent real world limitations that coordinated operational and distribution planning can minimize. Secure intratheater and intertheater LOCs are essential requirements for combat operations. Securing LOCs may reduce the number of forces available for operations. Additionally, the time spent securing LOCs gives the enemy the opportunity to improve his combat preparation. When considering branches, operational planners must prepare for unsecured LOCs or the loss of LOC security during the campaign. Operational planners must also ensure the infrastructure can support the concept of operation.

Jerome Johnson

Papers

Logistics Distribution: Key to Operational Success