Dr. Leo P. Hirrel's book about World War I logistics provides lessons applicable to today's large-scale combat operations

摘要

As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, Dr. Leo P. Hirrel's book about the logistics of that war is worthy of the attentions of Army and joint sustain-ers. Field Manual 3-0, Operations, has refocused the Army's attention toward large-scale combat operations, and the Army is challenged to prepare for operations against a near-peer competitor where all of the domains are contested. While the challenges we face today are great, we should consider the state of the Army 100 years ago. World War I brought the Army into the 20th century with a modern administrative system and processes for manning, equipping, and training. We can gain perspective and understanding to address the issues in today's sustainment environment by studying the numerous sustainment challenges faced by the Army in World War I.