LOGISTIC ASPECTS OF THE NATO COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO THE CONDUCT OF OPERATIONS: ORCHESTRATING THE ENGAGEMENT OF MILITARY LOGISTICS RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES IN STABILITY AND HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

Abstract

Research purpose: The aim of the paper is to analyse the logistic aspects of the military comprehensive approach to the conduct of operations. First of all, the assumptions of the NATO comprehensive approach are studied. Secondly, the role of military logistics in the comprehensive approach is discussed. Thirdly, the requirements of effective management and coordination between military logistics and civilian organisations during stability operations are identified. Methodology/approach: The research methods include the analysis of literature and official military publications such as: doctrines, handbooks and NATO summits declarations. The study encompasses military publications issued by NATO, the United States and the United Kingdom. Findings: The idea of the comprehensive approach is to combine and coordinate the efforts of military and civilian organisations within the area of the crisis management operation for the success of this operation. There are three possible roles played by military logistics within the frame of the comprehensive approach: (1) military resources and capabilities may be applied to support civilians during stability operations, (2) through contracting military logistics may contribute to the restoration of the local economy, (3) sharing their knowledge, lessons and best practices military logisticians enable international and non-governmental organisations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their logistics operations. Comprehensive approach operations should be led by civilians but due to the engagement of the resources and capabilities of military logistics close cooperation and coordination as well as coordinating mechanisms between military logistics and civilian partners are required to be established. Limitations/implications: Official military publications such as: doctrines, handbooks and NATO summits declarations are the manifestations of lessons from operations identified and learned by the military. Nevertheless, the lack of the empirical data collected directly from comprehensive approach operations should be considered as an limitation of the study to be improved in further research. Originality/value: So far, not enough research attention has been given to the issue of the military logistics engagement in the comprehensive approach. Therefore, through exploration of the role of military logistics within the context of the comprehensive approach to operation and the study of its relationships with humanitarian logistics the paper contributes to filling the knowledge gap.