Operational Planning and Logistical Sustainment: The Acis Experience in Two North African Offensives.
Abstract
Though General Erwin Rommel won remarkable battles in North Africa, victory at the operational level eluded him except when his plans were logistically feasible. This paper compares and contrasts two of Rommel's offensives with specific attention given to how Axis logistics shortfalls, strengths, and improvements determined the ultimate outcome of these offensives. The evidence suggests that operational logistic weakness, which was discounted by Rommmel, led to his failure in the first offensive. Subsequent improvements in Axis logistics support allowed Rommel to succeed during his second offensive. The Operational Logistics lessons learned from Rommel's African Campaign are still pertinent given the trend toward coalition operations in underdeveloped areas. Poor transportation infrastructure, limited host nation support, and the need for secure strategic lift routes characterize these operations and are similar to the logistic challenges encountered by Rommel in North Africa. By including a logistics feasibility check as part of his operational planning the Operational Commander will improve his chances of keeping his plan in the realm of the possible. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA293267
Entities
People
- Patrick A. Tillson
Organizations
- Naval War College