Scarcity of Time and Logistics in Multi-Domain Operations
Abstract
This monograph seeks to understand implications for logistics support to large scale formations in multi-domain operations. The intent is to demonstrate that a fait accompli prevents the United States from executing large-scale operations in a strategically relevant timeframe. A historical case study about scarce resources informs the analysis of scarcity as a result of temporal conditions in the future. The temporal conditions through which the case study was viewed are duration, opportunity, frequency, and sequencing. The case study analyzes the logistics support to US Fifth Army in World War II from the strategic industrial base through the operational level in the Mediterranean Theater to Fifth Army's depots. Before officially entering WWII, the United States used time to prepare the industrial base. Today's large-scale formation is at its core, similar to that from WWII with the heavy reliance on ammunition and fossil fuel formations. These demands tie the formations to a logistics tail that limits independent maneuver in Multi-Domain Operations. A fait accompli attacks the predictable support structure and removes the ability of the United States to respond with a large-scale combat operation within acceptable timeframes a without a decrease in demand requirements or an increase in industrial base capacity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 28, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1158888
Entities
People
- Lanea J. Dertinger
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College