"The United States relies on contractors to fill support roles in theaters of conflict to an extent that is unprecedented in modern history. Contractors provide supplies and perform a variety of other functions, including security (personal security details, convoy security, and static site security), logistical support, weapon and equipment upkeep and maintenance, intelligence, communication, transportation, construction, engineering, and base support operations and maintenance. It is important to ensure that these operational contract support (OCS) capabilities are available when needed for operations, but U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) oversight and planning for OCS activities is decentralized, making it difficult to determine manpower and training requirements for these DoD activities. This comprehensive review of the DoD OCS planning and integration workforce shows that some doctrinally mandated OCS planning and integration tasks are not being performed by DoD personnel, that personnel across the force receive limited training in OCS, and that there are several human capital approaches to address these shortfalls. Staffing estimates, findings, and recommendations were informed by an exhaustive review of OCS-related policy, doctrine, and training materials, as well as survey responses and interviews with experts. The result is a clearer picture of staffing requirements for the OCS planning and integration workforce and gaps in awareness, training, and career path options"--Publisher's description.

Preface -- Figures -- Tables -- Summary -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations -- 1. Introduction : Objectives and Approach of This Study -- Organization of This Report ; 2. The History and Strategic Significance of Operational Contract Support : The Enduring Relevance of OCS to the U.S. Military ; 3. Current Thinking on Operational Contract Support Integration Activities : Mapping the Universe of OCS Activities in the Literature -- Literature Review Findings ; 4. Current Operational Contract Support Integration in Practice : Current Composition of the OCS P&I Workforce -- Current Training of the OCS P&I Workforce -- Gaps Between Activities in OCS P&I Guidance and OCS P&I Activities in Practice ; 5. Closing Gaps : Training: The OCS Learning Framework -- Training Courses -- Training Analysis -- OCSJX -- Training Models and Recommendations ; 6. Closing Gaps : Potential Workforce Models : Workforce Mix of Military, Civilian, and Contractor Personnel -- Structural Options for Identifying Skilled OCS P&I Personnel -- Mix of Training Options -- Mix of Positions in the OCS P&I Workforce -- Ownership of OCS P&I Personnel and OCS Expeditionary Capabilities -- Staffing Needs for the OCS P&I Workforce -- Potential Alternatives to Remedy OCS P&I Capability Gaps -- Potential Workforce Models : A Concluding Note ; 7. Conclusions and Recommendations : Conclusions -- Recommendations ; APPENDIXES : A. Overview, Summary, and Analysis of Key Policy Documents -- B. Illustrative Position Descriptions -- C. Methodology for Estimating Staffing Requirements for OCS P&I Workforce Positions -- Bibliography.