Agile Combat Support Doctrine and Logistics Officer Training

The Air Force global engagement vision and expeditionary air and space force strategy focus on the agile combat support (ACS) core competency as the foundation for the rapid projection of light, lean, and lethal air and space power forces. Lt. Col. J. Reggie Hall's "Agile Combat Support Doctrine and Logistics Officer Training: Do We Need an Integrated Logistics School for the Expeditionary Air and Space Force?" examines the evolution of USAF logistics doctrine, the linkage between doctrine, strategy, tactics, and training programs, and the corresponding application of logistics employment and sustainment functions in a deployed environment. In doing so, he analyzes the USAF's diverse logistics officer training programs to determine if there is a deficiency in interdisciplinary logistics employment and sustainment training. He ascertains whether or not that training shortfall reveals a gap between USAF logistics doctrine and expeditionary air and space force combat strategy. His study also investigates the USAF transition to the air and space expeditionary force (AEF) operational employment concept as the force projection mechanism for the expeditionary air and space force and the reliance on ACS as the primary enabler to identify specific areas where the absence of integrated logistics training impacts or potentially degrades mission success. After these factors have been adequately analyzed and interpreted, Colonel Hall highlights the Army logistics officer training philosophy as a benchmark to gauge the effectiveness of integrated logistics training on expeditionary strategy and logistics officer professional career development. The origins, course development, and utility of the USAF Weapons School are presented as a historical reference for creating congruency between doctrine, tactics, and training. Red Flag training exercises are offered as a model for operational requirements-driven training and as an example of the opportunity to integrate logistics employment training in existing combat exercises. The weapons school is recommended as a model for the development of an integrated agile logistics course to develop multifunctional tactical logistics expertise. An integrated logistics school is recommended as a means to bridge the gap between logistics officer training and AEF operational employment mechanisms. Colonel Hall's proposed Agile Logistics School provides a venue to strategically align logistics officer training with expeditionary air and space force strategy and ACS doctrine. His recommendation establishes congruency with the USAF's global engagement vision and leverages logistics as a force multiplier enhancing the effective employment and sustainment of air and space forces.