Logistics and the Fight -- Lessons from Napoleon

Abstract

Although the focus of the General in charge is mainly on the defeat of an enemy, a military campaign will fail without equal attention given to logistics planning, logistics influence tempo, and unity of effort in logistics. Napoleon is one of the greatest military minds in the history of the world. Studies of his ability to anticipate his enemy, out maneuver his opponent, and strike devastatingly decisive blows occurs in colleges around the world. Truly, his example is one that deserves emulation. Not just Napoleon's victories, but his failures also provide lessons learned for the military commanders of the present day. In Russia, Napoleon provided some amazing lessons in endurance, leadership, and maneuver. He also provided some great lessons in logistics. The current fight in which the United States is engaged in Afghanistan is similar to the campaigns of Napoleon from a logistics perspective. All of these campaigns have involved large ground forces requiring tremendous logistic support far away from any familiar line of supply or supply point. In addition, traditional methods of establishing and maintaining lines of supply via seaport have been unavailable. Much like Napoleon in Russia, the United States must look for both expeditionary and innovative ways to support large forces for long periods of intense, sustained operations in difficult terrain far from home and far from its hubs of support. The French campaign in Russia in 1812 provides outstanding lessons learned for any military leader conducting operations in a faraway land. Simply put, plan your logistics, understand how battlefield decisions regarding tempo affect logistic support, and ensure unity of effort within subordinate staffs to support the mission. Napoleon, although a great leader, failed to understand this relationship.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 07, 2011
Accession Number
ADA601896

Entities

People

  • Sean W. Toole

Organizations

  • Marine Corps University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Battlefields
  • Bridges
  • Contracts
  • Engineering
  • Lessons Learned
  • Logistics
  • Logistics Planning
  • Maneuvers
  • Marine Corps
  • Materials
  • Military Commanders
  • Military Operations
  • New York
  • Transportation
  • United States
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.