Future of Modular Logistics in Force Projection Operations

摘要

Rapid change in the world political environment since the end of the Cold War has resulted in significant reduction in military spending and a fundamental shift in the United States Military Strategy for the 21st Century. With the change of military strategy, Army doctrine has changed from one based on forward presence to a doctrine of force projection. As the army reorganizes in preparation for the challenges associated with force projection operations, logisticians seek the capabilities to sustain current and future logistical requirements. Meeting the logistical demands associated with force projection operations requires a significant revision of current logistical concepts and systems. One of the many concepts currently being integrated into the Army logistical structure is modularity. This monograph examines the question of whether modular logistical concepts can adequately support future force projection operations. The monograph identifies the tenets of modularity and defines the critical resources required to make modular logistical systems capable of supporting future force projection operations. To assess the ability of modular systems to meet the sustainment demands associated with force projection operations, the capabilities and limitations of current and proposed modular organizations are analyzed and compared to determine the feasibility of modularity as a logistical force design methodology.