Joint Logistics, Fact or Fiction?

This paper examines the affects of an evolved National Security Strategy to meet the demands of a New World order on modern logisticians. It examines the expanded role of our military forces in the conduct of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and the evolution of Joint doctrine to meet these new demands. The focus of this examination remains at the strategic level and the ability of the Services to meet the logistical demands of the modern theater battlefield. The evolution of joint doctrine from Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) to MOOTW dramatically changes logistic requirements and the operational continuum of our forces. Does logistics doctrine adequately address this change? Current logistics doctrine, organization and techniques are products of the 20th century battlefield, tailored to meet the demands of a major regional contingency. Is change mandated to meet the differing demands of MOOTW? The paper discusses the expanded role of logisticians in the conduct of MOOTW and assesses current doctrine, logistics lessons from United States deployments during the 1990’s and the affects of post cold war military departmental contraction on service logistic capabilities. It presents recommendations based on this methodology for joint and service doctrinal adjustments and organizational priorities and capabilities that should be considered to meet the increased demands on our logistics systems during the next century.