Draft:Logistics (J4)

The Logistics (J4) directorate is the Continental Staff System branch of the U.S. DOD Joint Staff responsible for logistics.

J-4 integrates logistics planning and execution in support of joint operations to drive joint force readiness, maximize the Joint Force Commander's freedom of action, and advise the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on logistics matters. The directorate works across the myriad of organizations in the logistics Community of Interest (COI) including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Services, the Combatant Commands, the industrial base, and its multinational and interagency partners.

J-4 is structured into two cross-functional groups that support operational and strategic logistics. This structure allows it to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the current operational environment and to better prepare for the future environment. The Deputy Director for Operational Logistics focuses and aligns with the core logistics capabilities of supply, maintenance operations, deployment and distribution, health services support, engineering, logistics services, and operational contract support. The Deputy Director for Strategic Logistics focuses on long-term strategy, knowledge-based logistics, multi-national partnerships, capabilities, analysis, and resources.

It is headed by the Director, Logistics, staff code J4, a three-star lieutenant general or vice admiral.

The stated mission of the J4 directorate is to "Lead the logistics enterprise, drive joint force readiness and provide the best logistics advice to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to maximize the joint force commander's freedom of action."