Logistics in the Practice of the Operational Art
Abstract
The emergence of recognition the operational level of warfare and the increased emphasis on joint operations within the U.S. military during the past decade has improved the country's warfighting capability and national security. The refinement of the operational art has progressed rapidly. The corresponding development of operational level logistics has lagged however. Logistics policy continues to be focused, at the strategic and tactical levels to the detriment of the operational level. More over, logistics issues tend to be viewed as scientific or quantitative exercises when the operational level demands a more artistic interpretation. Current logistics doctrine contains seven logistics principles as a corollary to the principles of war. The logistics principles span the three levels of warfare and thus do little to focus commanders' and logisticians' thought on the operational level. It is possible however, to construct a broad conceptual framework of four pillars that can help focus the thinking of operational commanders and theater logisticians. Examples of theater logistics from the Gulf War are cited to illustrate the conceptual framework.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279633
Entities
People
- Griffin L. Warren
Organizations
- Naval War College