Are Joint Deployment Distribution Operations Centers (JDDOCs) an Effective Instrument for Overcoming Combatant Commanders' Intra-Theater Logistical Challenges

Abstract

Abstract : During Operation Desert Storm (ODS) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)/Iraqi Freedom (OIF) (Phase I), the Combatant Commander's logistical management organizational structure proved to be inadequate both in its organizational structure and subject matter expert manning level to execute an efficient logistical support effort. With the waning of Cold War era symmetrical warfare and the emergence of adversaries who attempt to exploit the United States military strength by employing asymmetrical warfare, the Department of Defense (DOD) must develop logistics organization that is dynamic, mobile, adaptable and able to keep pace with the needs of deployable forces employed by Combatant Commanders. order to improve joint logistics efforts, the in theater logistics structural organization must be transformed and linked to the strategic level organization to provide the best possible support to Combatant Commanders. Increased logistical support will permit Combatant Commanders an increased freedom of action enabling them to achieve operational objective(s) within their area of responsibility (AOR). Following the establishment of U.S. Transportation Command as the single distribution process owner (DPO) and the establishment of the U.S. Central Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC), the logistics organization was capable of bridging the gap between strategic and theater logistics to establish a more efficient organization. Due to the overwhelming success of the newly established U.S. Central Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center (CDDOC), in 2004, it should be used as a model to develop tailored Joint Deployment Distribution Operations Centers (JDDOCs) for the four remaining Combatant Commands.