Enclosure (1) to COMDTINST 4000.5A
United States Coast Guard
Logistics Doctrine
I.
Why does the Coast Guard need a Logistics Doctrine?
A "healthy" logistics system is critical to a military organization's success,
particularly in the Coast Guard, where units operate independently around the
world performing a wide variety of missions. Icebreakers, cutters performing aids-
to-navigation or law enforcement duties, small boats and aircraft prosecuting
search and rescue cases, and Marine Safety Offices, all rely on Coast Guard
logistics to provide people, equipment, and information to accomplish their
missions. From a high-level perspective, Logistics Doctrine defines Coast Guard
logistics, explains how Coast Guard logistics is designed to work and identifies
successful performance for Coast Guard logistics. By providing direction on
logistics to the entire organization, the Logistics Doctrine guides us in creating a
more productive and responsive logistics system. An improved logistics system
will make the entire Coast Guard more efficient and effective. Logistics processes
are complex and interconnected, with ripple effects throughout the system; the
flow of capabilities to the field cannot be modulated like the flow of water from a
faucet. Because lead times required are significant, the logistics system must
include provisions for full awareness and information to provide adequate time for
capabilities development and provision. At the same time, logistics providers
must focus on finding ways to reduce lead times while still meeting standards and
requirements. Doing so requires an integrated logistics concept.
II.
What is the Coast Guard Logistics Doctrine?
Logistics Doctrine can best be explained by providing a definition as it applies to
military organizations, such as the Coast Guard, and then showing how it fits into
the Coast Guard "family of plans."
A. First, let's define logistics. Logistics is the business activity of the Coast
Guard in support of its missions. Logistics encompasses all the activities
associated with developing, acquiring, sustaining, and eventually retiring the
components of capability: people, information, and systems.
Logistics
converts appropriated funds into operational capabilities, such as personnel,
platforms, and support.
As stated in Coast Guard Strategic Plan 1999 and our Logistics Handbook,
the purpose of Coast Guard logistics is to:
Put the right capability in the right place at the right time and at the
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