Pied Piper: Navy's Transfer of Combat Logistics Force Fleet

The transfer of Navy Combat Logistics Force ships to Military Sealift Command is viewed by many as a positive change. This book surveys the reality of the projected cost savings and the availability of merchant mariners in sufficient numbers to meet the defense requirements in the year 2000. This paper discusses the qualitative factors such as, unit self-defense and survivability, civilians in the war zone, operational tempo and command and control. What emerges is that it is cost effective to replace military with civilian crews but the price paid will be in diminishing ship capabilities which will impact the commander's mission. Recommendations include delaying the further transfer of ships until the results of the AFS class can be reviewed, implement a merchant maritime reserve and increasing the size of the military detachment on board MSC ships.