Lessons in Combat Service Support Tactical Mobility: The Afghanistan Conflict, Falklands War and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm

Abstract

This monograph examines lessons in combat service support (CSS) tactical mobility during the Afghanistan Conflict, the Falklands War, and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The unique environments of these operations have significant differences in terrain, weather, and transportation infrastructure which have a marked influence on CSS tactical mobility. In addition each of these campaigns involved force projection forces which is the foundation of the new U.S. military strategy. The monograph proves that tactical mobility is more than the physical mobility to negotiate terrain. Force projection forces require multi-dimensional CSS tactical mobility. Multidimensional reflects the complex interrelationships that produce mobile CSS forces and their ability to support the maneuver of combat forces. Physical mobility, the ability to rapidly displace, evacuation, recovery, movements management, and the doctrine and organization of the CSS system all mutually interact to affect CSS tactical mobility. In addition, combat and combat support forces take actions to protect, enhance, and improve CSS mobility. For each campaign these dimensions of tactical mobility are explored under the broad categories of doctrine, organization, movement, maintenance, fuel, medical, and the protection, enhancement, and improvement to CSS tactical mobility. The monograph concludes that improvisation is a critical doctrinal principle necessary to the success of CSS tactical mobility. In the area of organization, tactical mobility is greatly enhanced through multi-functional CSS units. .... Tactical mobility, Afghanistan conflict, Combat service support, Falklands War, Logistics, Operation DESERT SHIELD/STORM.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 04, 1993
Accession Number
ADA262627

Entities

People

  • Carol D. Clair

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

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

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Defense
  • Combat Forces
  • Combat Support
  • Command And Control
  • Deployment
  • Geography
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Support
  • Maintenance
  • Management Personnel
  • Supply Chain
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Terrain
  • Topography
  • Transportation Infrastructure
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

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