Case for Consolidated Civil Augmentation Programs

This monograph explores the possibility of consolidating common civil augmentation functions at the Department of Defense level in order to facilitate a more efficient, responsive military. Specifically, the report examines the logistic functions of civil augmentation programs (CAPs) and how they may consolidate to enhance future military capabilities. For the US military, the core issue consists of the tension between minimizing bureaucratic redundancy and promoting mission capability. The argument calls for an incremental plan toward consolidated CAP structures because streamlined bureaucracy will facilitate more efficient and responsive support using contract functions that are already jointly employed. The US military needs to fight by capability rather than by service role in current and future battle spaces. Analysis of resource allocation is in the best interests of US forces because it will enhance future military capabilities. Consolidating redundant functions among the individual services, while possibly insulting to cultural pride, may indicate a way to achieve optimal capability effectiveness. The conclusion presents recommendations for CAP consolidation and how they may positively impact military efficacy. There is also an implication that consolidation of common logistic functions may presage further-perhaps even service-consolidation.