Joint Vision 2010: Can We Get There From Here?

Abstract

Abstract : As one of the principal means of delivering equipment and logistics in support of the current national military strategy of the United States, sealift impacts the ability to conduct sustained operations and may influence the outcome of the operation being conducted. To the extent that sealift limits deployment of forces or logistics support, geographic combatant (CINCs) and subordinate joint force commanders (JFCs) are constrained in the strategic, operational and tactical options that they might choose and the forces they can employ. The flexible, assured sealift support initiatives proposed by Joint Vision 2010 (JV 2010) are intended to permit regional CINC's and JFCs to expand the strategic, operational, and tactical options available. Where will the sealift of the future come from? Can we look to JV 2010 for answers? The size of the U.S. Merchant Fleet - vessels and mariners - is at an all time low and getting smaller. Our reliance on the commercial shipping industry and foreign commercial shipping for our sealift needs is becoming more and more prevalent. We have learned many lessons from the Gulf War... or have we? The Maritime Security Program and the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, which propose reliable and secure U.S.-flag commercial sealift, will support JV 2010. Despite their best efforts, the regional CINC has the potential to find himself at the mercy of the accepted commercial practices of the shipping industry, and subjected to the risks associated with the reliance upon foreign commercial shipping. If the operational commander is to successfully develop and execute contingency plans utilizing the best available options for the situation, he must fully understand the limitations and impact that reliance on these sealift assets may have on the mission and then act accordingly.