Scavenger Logistics in Support of Tactical Operations
Abstract
This monograph examines the scavenger logistics concept of tactical sustainment in an effort to determine whether it can be a viable alternative or supplement to future U.S. Army tactical sustainment operations. By the author's definition, tactical scavenging is the appropriately sanctioned search for and use of resources found within an organization's area of operations to sustain that organization. A force can scavenge from other friendly military forces, enemy military forces, friendly nonmilitary sources, and nonmilitary sources in a hostile or occupied territory. Historical examples of tactical scavenging are cited with emphasis on U.S. Army experiences from World War II to present. Then, current doctrinal publications are assessed in regards to scavenging followed by discussion of the major factors involved in the decision to scavenge: mission, enemy, area of operations, time, friendly forces, politics, intensity of war, and leadership. Next, the benefits derived from and the costs associated with scavenging are highlighted with some elaboration. The author concludes that current warfighting doctrine supports the employment of scavenger logistics; in actually, scavenging is as important today as ever before.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA180903
Entities
People
- Larry D. Harman
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College