Chapter 6: Theater Strategy

Power Projection

Overview / Objectives, Activities / Afloat Prepositioning / Strategic Lift Concerns

Table of Contents

Power projection capabilities augment U.S. forward presence

Overview

Power Projection defines activities and qualities of U.S. military forces that support rapid projection of forces from the United States into the Central Region and preparation of those forces for combat operations. Power projection capabilities augments U.S. forward presence. These capabilities allow the U.S. to project decisive force at the time and place necessary to deter hostilities. If called upon, the deployed force has the ability to fight and win.

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Objectives, Activities

USCENTCOM's Power Projection objectives and those activities necessary to achieve them are as follows:

Objectives

• Rapid force closure
• Seamless transition from peacetime engagement to warfighting
• Strategic agility
• Escalation control

Activities

• Sea/Air lift, prepo afloat
• Execution of FDOs
• Sequencing of C4I, logistics
• CONUS-based air power
• Space-based systems

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Afloat Prepositioning

The afloat prepositioning program is based on the Maritime Prepositioning Force (MPF) concept that was so successful during Operations DESERT SHIELD, RESTORE HOPE, and most recently revalidated during Operation VIGILANT WARRIOR. The MPF consists of three Maritime Prepositioning Squadrons (MPS), each able to support a Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) of approximately 15,000 personnel with supplies and equipment for 30 days. Other afloat prepositioning currently consists of three ships of Air Force stocks (primarily ammunition), and five ships containing Army port opening equipment and sustainment stocks (e.g., ammunition and rations).

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Strategic Lift Concerns

Strategic lift is the critical lifeline for the Central Command, and is essential to the success of our operations. At over 7,000 air miles and 8,000 sea miles, the extraordinary distances from the U.S. amplify the immense difficulties of moving a force in response to a regional crisis or contingency. Major concerns regarding strategic lift capability are:

• During the drawdown, it is essential that the U.S. retain essential overseas bases and access rights to maintain sufficient depth and capacity to sustain a protracted, high intensity operations in a major regional contingency in the region.
• More roll-on/roll-off ships are required, as are additional strategic sealift ships, and increased funding for maintenance of the eady Reserve Force (RRF) to enable deployment readiness.
• The average age of merchant mariners is 55 years and increasing, and the number of qualified mariners to operate the RRF continues to decline. These factors, combined with a decreased number of U.S.-flagged merchant ships, signal an erosion in America's national sealift capability that could jeopardize our future ability to deploy, employ, and sustain any sizable force during a MRC.
• Heavy use of C-141 and C-5 aircraft during DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM shortened their remaining service lives and subsequent operations have further taxed remaining C-141s and C-5s.
• The Command's ability to mobilize relies heavily on the Reserve, especially for tanker and airlifter crews. The critical role played by reservists in strategic lift can be expected to grow larger as active forces are drawn down.

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