Improving Joint Logistics -- A Study of the Unified Logistics Command

摘要

A Unified Logistics Command has been seriously discussed in recent years due to the undeniable trend toward joint warfighting and the obvious benefits to be reaped by using advances in computers and information technologies. Changes within DoD's logistics systems are inevitable because it makes good sense to maximize the advantages waiting to be enjoyed. Therefore, the question is not whether changes should be enacted, but rather what changes should be enacted. To this end, an organization called CINCLOG was proposed in 1997 by Brigadier General Robert L. Floyd II, USACOM Director for Logistics. This paper analyzes the benefits and limitations of CINCLOG by comparing the potential effects of such an organization to each of the seven principles of logistics. Additionally, an alternative operational-level logistics organization is proposed called the Joint Logistics Management Command (JLMC). This organization would be built around an existing service logistics organization such as a U.S. Marine Corps Force Service Support Group (FSSG). The JLMC would be responsible for managing common-user items and supporting all services and multinational forces in a given theater of operations. Such an organization would yield increased efficiencies and effectiveness. The author concludes that CINCLOG as proposed is not an optimal solution, but the concept could be employed at the operational level to great effect. At the strategic level, the current DoD logistics system, even though it is decentralized and somewhat redundant, must be retained to ensure flexibility and effectiveness. Emphasis should be placed on standardizing procedures among the services to realize Total Asset Visibility (TAV) and In-transit Visibility (ITV). At the operational level, JLMC should be established under each warfighting CINC to manage common-user items, contracts for Host Nation Support, and service component commands' sustainment efforts.