Editor's corner.

The war in Afghanistan has been like no other conflict in terms of unique logistics demands. The diversity of forces deployed and the difficulties in securing transportation routes created unexpected hurdles and may lead to changes in the way the Army prepares and executes logistics support operations.

More than eight months into the conflict, questions are surfacing as to whether the Army has the right balance of people, authority and supplies in the forward-operating bases. The story begins on page 19.

Meanwhile, the Military Traffic Management Command-the Army unit responsible for surface transportation for all of the armed services-is undergoing a major reorganization in order to speed up the delivery of supplies and equipment to U.S. troops. The events of 9/11 propelled the command to implement changes that had been outlined well before the attacks. A one-on-one discussion with Brig. Gen. Barbara Doornik, the MTMC's deputy commander, provides insights into the agency's activities. Read that story on page 24.

In general, the war on terrorism has stressed the entire military transport system. Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, the commander in chief of the U.S. Transportation Command and commander of the Air Mobility Command, says the United States needs 222 C-17 transports, almost three times the number currently flying. Our cover story-on page 26-lays out Gen. Handy's forecast for air mobility programs.

This month, National Defense also is featuring a number of in-depth reports on combat search and rescue technologies, and port security.

The Air Force combat search-and-rescue aircraft modernization program is being delayed possibly until 2006, pending funding approval for the purchase of new helicopters and a possible reorganization of CSAR assets. Initially, the program was supposed to start in 2004. Despite the slow-down, major contenders, such as the Sikorsky H-92 and the AgustaWestland U.S. 101, are jockeying for position in this high-stakes competition. Our report can be found on page 36.

Another important CSAR technology is the new survivor radio for U.S. military pilots. Program officials said that the CSEL (combat survivor/evader locator) has overcome its initial development problems and that the technology is working. This advanced radio would help recovery units pinpoint the location, authenticate and establish communications with downed aircrew in need of extraction. Turn to page 36 for the complete story.

On the home front, the U.S. Coast Guard is struggling to keep up with the security needs of ports and waterways, which still remain vulnerable, according to officials. A major challenge is figuring out how to make the best use of new funding, especially considering that the agency, in recent years, only spent 5 percent of its budget on security. Find out more about the Coast Guard initiatives on page 34.