From the Korean War to the most recent deployment to Haiti, each time the U.S. Army has begun an operation, the operational logistics organization has been pieced together adhoc. In the force projection, U.S Army, division support commands (DISCOM) or corps support commands (COSCOM), even their subordinate elements, are likely deploy to provide traditional army component (ARFOR) theater of operations logistics support. Corps and the division have neither the force structure nor the training to accomplish this mission. This monograph will focus on identifying whether emerging doctrine addresses functional and organizational requirements for operational-level logistics support of future force projection operations. The initial chapter of this monograph is a review of doctrine including, FM 100-5, Operations, FM 100-7, Decisive Force: The Army in Theater Operations (Final Approved Draft), Field Manual 100-10, Combat Service Support, FM 100-16, Army Operational Support (Final Approved Draft), and Joint Publication 4-0, Doctrine for Logistics Support of Joint Operations. The chapter examines how each manual approaches the requirements of operational logistics and identifies some discontinuities in the body of doctrine. Next the study examines historical experiences of operational logistics to identify logistical threads of continuity, and significant differences, especially with respect to any departures from the procedures of current doctrine; to illuminate doctrinal army service component command (ASCC) support functions; and to identify additional functions necessary to augment the doctrinal set. The third portion of the monograph looks at possible organizational problems suggested by the historical examples and the doctrinal concept of modular units. Even if the historical examples validate the doctrinal approach to operational logistics, modified command structures and standing logistical organizations may provide better alternatives to meet future logistical support missions. The monograph concludes that despite a lack of precision in terminology between the various manuals, the body of doctrine generally is congruent with the definition of operational logistics, articulated in the 1993FM100-5. The historical examples generally validate the doctrine as well. As to the issue of organizational requirements, the monograph suggests that the formation of a standing ASCC organization is desirable to provide a more responsive operational logistic capability in a force projection Army.

ADA 301119 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.)