Fueling Operational Maneuver
Abstract
Bulk petroleum products are vital to every facet of U.S. Army operations. What means will logisticians use to transport the needed fuel to the fighting units of a corps in an immature theater? Fuel transport methods available to the planner may include pipelines, railway tank cars, inland waterways, motor trucks and combinations of these models. Each method's characteristics and capacities indicate its suitability in a given area of operations. This paper examines the characteristics and capacities of each transport mode in terms of criteria based on the sustainment imperatives of FM 100-5. The study relies heavily on classical military theory. Definitions of modern terms are explained in their theoretical context. The sustainment imperatives anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation are derived from classical theory. These are then used to form six major categories of criteria to examine each transportation mode. The author concludes that current army doctrine describes a workable fuel transport system given the capacities of the various transport modes and today's technology. The concept of using pipeline transport as the mainstay of a mixed mode system that is phased into the theater best meets the sustainment imperatives. The analysis also suggests a sixth sustainment imperative, minimizing overhead, as a consideration for the operational logistical.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 29, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA234395
Entities
People
- William J. Bayles
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College