Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, the new leader of U.S. Transportation Command, emphasized the importance of strong partnerships with allies, commercial industry partners, and other government organizations in enabling Transcom to successfully carry out its mission. During remarks at the National Defense Transportation Association’s Fall Meeting in St. Louis, Reed credited these relationships with providing the necessary access, basing oversight, and network for Transcom to engage with allies and partners around the world. He specifically highlighted the vital role of Transcom’s commercial transportation partners, known as the “Fourth Component,” in operating globally and providing essential knowledge and resources.
Reed stressed the significance of working closely with allies and partners who share a similar view of security and regional access needs. He commended Transcom’s commercial transportation partners for their operational expertise, global perspective, and essential role in helping Transcom make informed decisions. By collaborating with these partners and leveraging their existing networks, Reed believes that Transcom can better understand global perspectives and effectively execute its mission on a global scale. He emphasized the importance of learning from and working alongside these partners to enhance Transcom’s capabilities.
In addition to highlighting the importance of partnerships with allies and commercial industry partners, Reed also praised the whole-of-government approach that contributes to Transcom’s success. By receiving the necessary resources and authorities from the broader government, Transcom can effectively carry out its mission of conducting globally integrated mobility operations, leading the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise, and providing enabling capabilities to support national objectives. Reed believes that when the government provides the support needed, Transcom can achieve remarkable results and fulfill its responsibilities as a unified combatant command.
Overall, Gen. Randall Reed’s remarks underscored the critical role of partnerships, collaboration, and a comprehensive approach in enabling U.S. Transportation Command to fulfill its mission. By working closely with allies, commercial industry partners, and other government organizations, Transcom can access the resources, expertise, and networks necessary to operate globally and protect and sustain the Joint Force. Reed’s emphasis on the importance of these partnerships and the whole-of-government approach reflects Transcom’s commitment to effective coordination, cooperation, and support in achieving its objectives on a global scale.
