SUPPORTING THE NEXT FIGHT

Despite some flaws, this allocation of forces has met mission requirements in the Central Command region, where existing force-management levels and heavy reliance on contractors limit the demand for sustainment forces in theater. [...]a predictable rotation schedule, executed under the president's partial-mobilization authority, has enabled reserve forces to mobilize, train and deploy in a deliberate manner while reducing operational demands on active-duty forces deploying from the U.S. Those conditions may not exist in the next war. [...]it provides economies of force, especially during early stages of a contingency when the employment of contracted capabilities helps set the theater. Because active-duty military transportation, supply and maintenance assets are limited, outsourcing deployment and theater-opening functions until reserve support arrives will enable commanders to mass their limited organic sustainment capabilities forward in the close area to support tactical maneuver requirements. [...]senior leaders should integrate contracted capabilities when and where appropriate to free military units for missions in forward areas. The OCS process enables commanders to fill those gaps with contracted personnel, equipment and facilities, much of it readily available in theater.