The Role of Union Logistics in the Carolina Campaign of 1865

Abstract

This thesis investigates the role Union logistics played during the American Civil War and examines the effectiveness of logistics support in Sherman's Carolina Campaign. Discussion begins with an overview of Union logistic operations in the war focusing on the logistics functions of supply, transportation, and combat health support. Next it proceeds to examine the role of logistics during the campaign by first discussing the impact logistics operations had on General Sherman's preparations prior to initiating the campaign. It then further discusses logistics operations carried out during the conduct of the campaign in the Carolinas. Finally, it examines logistics operations in the Carolina Campaign in terms of today's logistics doctrine. Logistics played a critical role in the success of the campaign. The logisticians in support of Sherman's Army overcame difficulties at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels to provide effective support. There were significant problems with the support concept, especially in the areas of casualty evacuation and unifying resupply. This thesis investigates these problems as well as the logistics successes that helped make Sherman's Carolina Campaign the triumphant it is remembered as.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 31, 2002
Accession Number
ADA406865

Entities

People

  • Johnny W. Sokolosky

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artillery
  • Civil War
  • Civil War (United States)
  • Health Services
  • Land Transportation
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Support
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military History
  • Military Hospitals
  • Military Operations
  • Personnel Management
  • Supply Depots
  • Transportation
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.