Logistics and Strategy
Abstract
Logistics is the lifeblood of strategy. Without effective logistical planning, military efforts perish after the first wave of actions. World War II is no exception. Support units provided adequate supplies, services, and modes of transportation to maneuver units to extend operational reach and provide greater freedom of action. Superior logistical capabilities led to victory for the United States. However, this was not always the case. US forces did not start with an advantage in logistics and this had severe repercussions. The study of the Guadalcanal Campaign and Operation Cartwheel in the Pacific Theater of Operations during World War II illustrates the criticality of logistics in determining the strategy military organizations adopt to accomplish their mission. Limited materiel, production capacity, services to construct transportation assets, fuel, and delivery schedules played a major factor in when and where Allied forces conducted operations. By studying how logistics dictated strategy in the Pacific Theater, contemporary planners will draw lessons on identifying and overcoming shortfalls in training and organization in complex, resource-restricted environments
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA614182
Entities
People
- Jereon W. Hall
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College