For shipping supplies to sustain troops overseas, airlift or sealift can be used with differential speed and cost. This documented briefing lays out a construct for designing a distribution network that takes advantage of the two transportation modes' respective strengths to meet combatant command needs while minimizing total supply chain costs. In doing so, it provides recommendations for when and how the two modes should be employed in conjunction with their integration with inventory management and positioning and operational planning.

"Prepared for the United States Army and the Defense Logistics Agency"--T.p.

Introduction and background -- Distribution system design tradeoffs -- Targeted theater inventory investments -- Policy changes to leverage forward distribution depots -- Summary of recommendations.