Future of Joint Logistics Doctrine

One essential ability of the US armed forces is its skill at joint operations. In the past our army has evolved in times of peace while preparing for future wars. Crucial to that evolution is developing doctrine. During the cold war, the Army developed Air-Land battle doctrine that was extremely effective during the first Gulf War. Because logistics is the "foundation of our combat power. We must, therefore, continue to develop and refine joint doctrine that promotes the most efficient, effective use of all available assets. Adherence to that doctrine is the key to our success." Our forces fight together. Their logistical support should be synchronized as well and the doctrine for it should reflect that. Critical to developing this doctrine is implementing the newest technologies at our disposal. As the Air-Land battle doctrine implemented the new M1A1 Abrahams main battle tank and many other new weapons systems our new joint logistics doctrine must use the newest logistical capabilities available to us. Automation of systems is on the rise in our military. From surveillance to bomb disposal to drone strikes, machines are replacing soldier functions.

Next they will be resupplying soldiers for us. TARDEC and Lockheed Martin are looking to make supply convoys autonomous and are currently having initial success in the effort. Future joint logistics doctrine will have to reflect this and many other innovations to interact with other nations military forces. Our military is already conducting training missions to bolster the logistical capabilities of our allied forces. In September of 2012 the U.s Air Force taught the Air Forces of central African countries how to airdrop supplies for soldiers in the field. Continuing this trend, they should also be trained in our logistics doctrine should we ever operate jointly in order to minimize fragmentation. The more everyone is on the same page, the better our logistical ability will be to embody the five logistical characteristics of anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation.