Medical Logistics in a New Threater of Operations: An Operation Iraqi Freedom Case Study
Abstract
This is a study of the medical logistics system that supported the U.S. forces in the maneuver phase of the Iraq War, 20 March to 1 May 2003. It begins with a review of logistical lessons learned from retired logisticians stretching from World War II to the Gulf War. Next, the evolution of U.S. Army medical logistics is reviewed leading up to the units, policies, and resources available to support the Iraq War. The creation of the medical logistical support system in Qatar and Kuwait is then described, stretching from the summer of 2002 through the spring of 2003. Finally, an evaluation of the performance of the medical logistic support is presented with recommendations for improved performance in the future. This study concludes that the medical logistics support system was not functioning properly when the ground war began on 20 March 2003. Several factors contributed to the medical logistics problems but the late arrival of medical logistics units into Kuwait was the main reason for the poor performance of medical logistics in the Iraq War.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 25, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449951
Entities
People
- Douglas H. Galuszka
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College