JP 3-33, Joint Task Force Headquarters - Defense Innovation ...

CHAPTER VIII
JOINT TASK FORCE LOGISTICS
“Logistics comprises the means and arrangements which work out the plans of
strategy and tactics. Strategy decides where to act; logistics brings the troops to
this point.”
Antoine Henri Jomini,
Précis de l’ Art de la Guerre, 1838
1. General
a. Logistics Directorate. The J-4 is charged with the formulation of logistic plans
and with the coordination and supervision of supply, maintenance operations, deployment
and distribution, engineering, HSS, operational contract support, and logistic services to
include food service and related logistic activities. Given the functional role of this
directorate and the Service responsibilities for support to their respective JTF components,
consideration should be given to the established policies and procedures of the various
Military Departments. The J-4 is responsible for advising the CJTF of the logistic support
that can be provided for proposed COAs and approved CONOPS. In general, the J-4
formulates policies for the CJTF’s approval to ensure effective logistic support for all forces
in the command and coordinates execution of the CJTF’s logistic policies and guidance.
b. Logistics should be based on requirements and established priorities.
c. Logistics provide the foundation of combat power. Joint logistics is the
coordinated use, synchronization, and sharing of two or more Military Departments’ logistic
resources to support the joint force. From a national perspective, it can be thought of as the
ability to project and sustain a logistic ready joint force through the sharing of DOD,
interagency, and industrial resources.
d. Joint logistics should use existing individual Service policies and procedures
whenever possible. If this is not possible, the differences should be identified to the
supported CCDR as early as possible for resolution.
e. Successfully integrating or synchronizing logistics resources within the joint force
and with partners is paramount in achieving sustained joint logistics readiness that enables
operational adaptability and freedom of action for the JFC. Political, legal, and fiscal
concerns should be identified and addressed prior to providing support.
2. Organization
a. JTF J-4 organization should be tailored to respond to the anticipated operation. To
accomplish this, it should include specialists from the various logistic functional areas:
supply, maintenance operations, deployment and distribution, engineering, HSS, operational
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