Deceptive Logistics at the Operational Level of War,

Abstract

This monograph examines operational level logistics and deception in an effort to determine whether a coherent deception plan can be formulated undergirded by creative logistical arrangements that will allow the commander to deceive an alert adversary. The employment of 'deceptive logistics' is based on the exploitation of supply, maintenance, transport, and other combat service support (CSS) activities with the distinct purpose of contributing to an operational headquarters overall deception plan. Historical examples of deceptive logistics are cited with emphasis on twentieth century uses at the operational level. Then, the dilemmas and opportunities associated with deceptive logistics are addressed in regards to the following factors: degree of centralization and control, sustainment mobility, dispersion and concentration of logistics, time, security, sustainment focus, multi-service and coalition logistics, and the scientific/artistic clash in deceptive logistics. Next, suggestive techniques aimed at deceiving an adversary are provided in the form of vignettes.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 04, 1987
Accession Number
ADA192494

Entities

People

  • Larry D. Harman

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Cyber
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Air Force
  • Artillery
  • Artillery Ammunition
  • Classification
  • Combat Support
  • Command And Control
  • Employment
  • Logistics
  • Military History
  • New York
  • Operations Security
  • Psychology
  • Second World War
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies