The methodology for this research paper will be a comparison analysis of the strategic deployment process. The focus will be on a comparison of the procedures and current doctrine for strategic airlift debarkation operations in relation to doctrine and procedures for sealift debarkation and materiel prepositioning programs. The paper will include a short history and development of airlift in the importance of United States strategic deployment operations, and analyze the shortcomings in contemporary institutional standards setting the conditions for conducting the aerial component of the mobility triad. This monograph will compare the structure for accomplishing strategic deployments, outline the major aerial reception requirements, and propose an organization and structure for execution of airlift debarkation operations at the theater level. This paper will show by comparison the procedures from the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, and current OOTW deployments. This monograph will conclude with a recommendation on how to organize a theater APOD to support a long-term contingency operation. If the US Army intends to set the conditions for success in future force projection operations then it must be sufficient to learn from the previous tautologies. The US Army's history in conducting airfield operations at the strategic level clearly illustrates the deficiency in the ability to transition from strategic airlift to the operational level of war. Speed of response and the strategic airlift system capability can easily overwhelm a poorly designed and constituted theater airfield reception operation. Contemporary total asset visibility programs and the demand for in transit visibility demand a deliberate action to structure a capable airfield structure responsive to DOD STAMIS systems and maneuver commander demands.

ADA 314329 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)