Logistics Lessons of the Gulf War: A Snowball in the Desert

摘要

The experiences of the U.S. military during Desert Shield/Desert Storm areanalyzed to determine whether they provide lessons on logistics support for contingency operations which, irrespective of the size of force or theater of employment, are applicable to commanders at the operational level. The scope of discussion is limited to those aspects of logistics which the commander could affect in the near-term. As an introduction to the discussion logistics activities during the Gulf War are examined in light of Eccles principle of the 'Logistics Snowball' and, although some manifestations were in evidence, the conclusion reached is the majority are simply part the cost of war on the modern battlefield. Appropriate lessons are highlighted in the areas of planning, deployment, and sustainment. A brief review of current joint doctrine publications reveals these lessons adequately addressed within existing guidance. The conclusion is that more effective logistics support is possible through application of the lessons but that the process, like much in the art of war, is dependent to a large extent upon the skill of the commander and his staff....Logistic Snowball, Planning, Deployment, Sustainment, Strategic Sealift, Strategic Airlift, Joint Doctrine.