Ensuring Effective Port Operations During Contingencies and War.

Abstract

Abstract : The Militarv Traffic Management Command (MTMC) operates 24 common user pons worldwide. As a consequence of those activities, MTMC can be considered the DoDs expert on port operationS and capabilities. In spite of that expertise, theater commanders-inchief(CINCs) ofien to not call upon MTMC to assist in planning for port operations in support ofmilitary contingencies; MTMC%s role in aiding the execution of those plans is also inconsistent. This repon presents a concept for expansion of MTMC's role in predeployment port planning and in the management and operation of ports during contingencies and war. Although referred to as the single port manager concept, it does not propose any changes to the authority of the theater CINCs who establish the actual command, control, and operational relationships within their areas of responsibilities. Instead, the concept envisions the Commander, MTMC taaing a number of actions to create the necessary foundation for expanding MTMC's responsibilities in port planning and operations through nonnal command and doctrinal channels.