Analysis of Operation Neptune: Lessons for Today's Naval Logistics Planners

摘要

Neptune was the joint and combined operation that opened the Allied invasion ofNormandy in 1944. Naval in nature and keyed to a logistical objective, its successes and failures provide lessons that are of value to logistics planners today. A review of Neptune's logistical command structure illustrates the advantages of establishing a logistics organization in theatre as quickly as possible with clear lines of authority. A review of Neptune's plan underscores how logistics issues can and should shape the operational planning process. Finally, a comparison of the plan as envisioned to the plan as executed highlights the pitfalls of overplanning.'.