Sustainment Improvisation - Expanding the Realm of the Possible.
Abstract
This monograph investigates historical examples of sustainment improvisation at the operational level to determine the role sustainment improvisation at the operational level to determine the role sustainment improvisation has played in the conduct of the operational art of war and the significance of improvisation for future operational sustainment planners. First, twentieth century improvisation examples are described with a general situation. The examples from World War II include the aerial Hump operation in the China-Burma-India Theater, the logistics-over-the-shore operations with the Normandy Beach landings, and the system of express highway routes to include the Red Ball Express. More recent examples from Vietnam include the civilian contracting of terminal services and a modern aerial Red Ball Express for high priority parts resupply. In each case appropriate detail is presented to create a broad picture of the effort, techniques, and procedures employed to create and operate the improvisation. Significant problems and costs associated with the operation are highlighted to illustrate some of the challenges that can be expected when improvisation was required operationally. Reaction time and duration are analyzed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 08, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA184707
Entities
People
- Randolph B. Wehner
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College