Seven months of detrimental political implications, expensive effects on military operations, and strategic level barricades during 2011 and 2012 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom could have been avoided with in-depth logistical planning. The main objective of this research is to analyze how logistical planners at the strategic level can anticipate or mitigate the effects of a theater gateway closure on military operations. Through two case studies of the anomaly phenomenon of the Karachi Port and the NATO Supply route closures were analyzed using a RAFT method. A DIME analysis using the national elements of power was used to find the strategic level effects of the anomaly, that is an unexpected theater gateway closure. It was found that at the strategic level the effects are based on the economic and diplomatic elements of the national power, affecting proportionally sustainment operations. A detailed analysis of the theater gateway's location is critical to mitigate or anticipate the sustainment impacts on military operations. Finally, logistical planners at the strategic level need to have a vast and ample knowledge and understanding of the operational environment to anticipate strategic level effects. Thus, they must ensure effective synchronization, coordination, and integration between every logistical counterparts are established and maintained.

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