Evolution of Logistics: Supporting NATO's Multinational Corps
Abstract
Coalition warfare is the accepted norm of the twentieth century, but coalition logistics is frowned upon as a distasteful by-product of multinational cooperation. During World War II and Korea, the industrial base in the United States was so productive that American materiel supplied to its allies directly influenced the outcome of the wars. The Americans wished to maintain their predominance in the international trade of military materiel--hoping to achieve economic and political advantages--but the resurgent economies in Western Europe were able to produce the major items of military equipment which were needed. The European perspective of defense, focused towards the Warsaw Pact, generated logistical support systems which ran west from the mother country, to the east where the forward deployed units were located. American defense was more broad- based considering its worldwide responsibilities. With the recent demise of the Warsaw Pact and the reduced threat, NATO wishes to field multinational corps which will somehow overcome the dichotomy of nonstandard equipment and support systems. A review of the logistical posture of NATO and an accumulation of opinions from respected military logisticians leads the author to conclude that the multinational corps can be logistically sustained in combat if, and only if, the key recommendations contained herein are adopted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA236805
Entities
People
- Charles A. Seland
Organizations
- United States Army War College