Operational Logistics in MOOTW: What Your CINC Needs to Know

摘要

Without an 'evil empire' to provide a focus for our military plans, the militaryhas been forced to redefine itself in the wake of these startling changes. We must do more with less, downsize our forces, shift many logistical assets to the reserve components to save money, reduce our forward presence while at the same time maintaining capabilities to fight two major regional contingencies and to conduct military operations other than war (MOOTW). MOOTW have become increasingly predominant in the roles and missions of our armed forces. Since the fall of the iron curtain United States armed forces have been involved in Operation Provide Comfort to feed the Kurds in Northern Iraq, Operation Restore Hope to feed the starving masses in Somalia, Operation Uphold Democracy to restore a democratic government in Haiti, Joint Task Force Los Angeles during the riots in California and Operation Support Hope to stop the dying in Rwanda. These military operations demonstrate a gradual shift in the use of military forces from simply winning our nation's wars to providing the tools to feed the hungry, provide water to the thirsty and uphold foreign government elections all in support of our national interests.