Pentagon in a Panic Over Inability to Defend Logistics Against Russia, China
SputnikNews.com
28.05.2017
US Transportation Command head Gen. Darren McDew has told the Senate Armed Services Committee the US does not have enough ships, aircraft or aerial refueling tankers to transport large amounts of equipment, supplies and manpower in the event of a major war. Military journalist Ilya Plekhanov breaks down McDew’s report, and what it means for Russia.
Testifying before the US Senate earlier this month, McDew said that USTRANSCOM does not have the resources needed for the speedy transport of large quantities of materials and troops, nor for sustained resupply in the event of a major conflagration.
The Air Force General revealed that his department is currently able to airlift only a brigade-sized force using C-5 and C-17 transport aircraft to a foreign theater, adding that the military would struggle to resupply its troops if the conflict lasted for more than 30 days.
As far as naval resupply is concerned, Senate Armed Services Committee head John McCain complained at the hearing that the US lacked the necessary ten ships needed to transport two combat brigades to the front, a capability that is required under current US military doctrine.
The average US transport ship is 39 years old, and less than 60% of them could be brought up to snuff for exercises or maneuvers, with the rest in need of repairs or deemed unsuitable. At the moment, McCain said, USTRANSCOM has access to only 27 military transport ships; nine of those are subject to be retired over the next six years.
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