The Influence of Railroads Upon Campaign Plans
Abstract
Railroads have played an important part in wars throughout modern history. Today, the contributions rail can make to America's national defense include U.S. commercial rail help with mobilization of military units stationed in the United States. But their contribution would end at the ports of embarkation, because these commercial assets are not deployable, nor could they be spared at home. While this zone of the interior capability has strategic significance for the United States, rail has also great potential within the theater of operations, and that, we have left largely untapped. Unless rail units are added to the U.S. Army's force structure this mode of transportation may remain a minor player in future military operations overseas. Transportation capabilities are of fundamental concern to theater commanders. General S. Patton, Jr., pointed out that road and rail networks are of paramount importance in campaign planning. The ability to maneuver is basic to any army, and the lateral shifting of forces on the battlefield in a timely fashion (which rail can do so well) is often critical to the sucess of a campaign. Wise decisions must be made now, taking a long-term and systemic approach to permit the maximum use of all available sources of transport, to include rail. A first step toward that end is to determine how rail has been used in the past to apply operational art to campaign plans. This paper will examine railroad contributions to past wars in the areas of operational sustainment, maneuver, containment and deception. (KR)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215793
Entities
People
- Bradley E. Smith
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College