Focused Logistics: Time for Functional Command

Abstract

Throughout history military leaders have recognized the importance of logistics to the success of their operations. Unfortunately, logistical support is often taken for granted. As a result, the U.S. Military's logistical system has become sluggish, often unreliable, and expensive, in part due to its fragmented and inefficient organizational structure. The U.S. Military's distribution system -- the parts of the Department of Defense (DoD) that manage and execute the storage and movement of supplies to military customers -- consists of multiple entities and agencies made up of separate Services and commands. Each of these agencies is responsible for individual modal and Service commitments and functions. These functions have become "stove-piped" and have created seams in logistical processes that unnecessarily confine the operational limits of future campaigns. Warfighters question the effectiveness of the current distribution process -- can it be fixed? The purpose of this paper is to show that "Focused Logistics" will not be obtained until the DoD consolidates its distribution organizations under the authority of a single commander with the power to direct actions in peace and war. If DoD really wants to transform its distribution processes, it will take more than collaboration. Responsibility and authority must rest with one organization. Consolidation gives the warfighter exactly what he/she is looking for: simplicity, flexibility, responsiveness, and perhaps just as important, a single point of contact for his/her logistical concerns. This paper provides a brief background on historical distribution deficiencies and actions taken to remedy them, discusses deployment and distribution in the 2004 Focused Logistics Campaign Plan, discusses U.S. Transportation Command's (TRANSCOM) role in logistics reform, evaluates the successes and shortcomings of TRANSCOM's initiatives, and provides recommendations.