Logistics and the Combat Power Equation - Cutting Across the Spectrum of Warfare

Abstract

The application of overwhelming force applied at the right time in the right place which has led to the demise of powerful armies and nations throughout history. Arguably, since the birth of the United States military, the institutional norm has viewed combat power as the application of the 'Trigger Puller' to close with and destroy the enemy, e. g., bombs on target and infantry in the fighting hole. However, real combat power is comprised of more than the 'Trigger Puller'. True combat power, the type which led to success in Desert Storm, is composed not only of the Trigger Puller , but the 'sustainment or logistics' which provides the means to initiate, gain, and maintain power An armed force can not execute its mission without both factors - these factors make up the Combat Power Equation. Success In war and the survival of a nation in an insecure world are partially dependent on military and civilian leadership's appreciation and proper application of the balanced Combat Power Equation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 18, 1992
Accession Number
ADA253250

Entities

People

  • P. A. James

Organizations

  • Naval War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Logistics
  • Maintenance
  • Military Education
  • Military History
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • Military Planning
  • Military Science
  • Students
  • Training
  • United States
  • War Colleges
  • War Games
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies