With a proper understanding of the complexities of logistics, we can employ and protect this vital component of our operational readiness and warfighting capability. Such understanding begins with a look at the mission of naval logistics, followed by the levels of logistic support. In peace and war, the mission of naval logistics is to provide and sustain our operational readiness by getting the right support to the right place at the right time. In war, operational readiness is the forerunner of warfighting effectiveness. The philosophy of maneuver warfare focuses on attaining victory by neutralizing the enemy's centers of gravity and destroying his will to resist.
Naval forces use the sea as maneuver space, searching for weaknesses in the enemy's defenses.
When the commander finds a weakness that is both critical to the enemy's existence and vulnerable to attack, he establishes this critical vulnerability as the focus of effort. He then unifies his force toward the focus of effort by designating the main effort. Guided by an understanding of the commander's intent, the subordinate commander leading the main effort is able to operate independently at a high tempo that overwhelms the enemy. A major challenge to our naval logistic system is the need to support the main effort at its high tempo of combat while continuing to support all other efforts adequately. Our system must anticipate the needs of many operating forces and integrate all six functional areas of logistics 2 in a responsive manner.