Multifunctional Logistics

This study compares the Air Force and Army logistics constructs in an effort to gain insights that might help improve upon the Air Force's fledgling multifunctional logistics effort. While logistics means many things to many people, this study focuses primarily on the core logistics functions of transportation, supply, and maintenance. The study makes three recommendations for improving the Air Force logistics construct. First, the study recommends reinstituting the logistics groups. This will provide unity of command across the entire logistics enterprise of Air Force wings. Second, logistics officer training needs to be changed. Logistics readiness officers (LROs) should gain depth of experience in one logistics discipline before broadening. Additionally, maintenance officers should be allowed to gain breadth of experience across all logistics disciplines after becoming proficient in maintenance. Finally, the current advanced training plan should ensure that Air Force logisticians from all logistics disciplines have the opportunity to undergo meaningful advanced training programs that provide a genuine appreciation and understanding of the interrelationships of the entire logistics system.