Analysis of Munitions Support to the U.S. Air Forces during the Vietnam War

摘要

This analysis examined Air Force munitions logistics support in the Vietnam War. Its objective was to foster an understanding of the munitions logistics system, the problems encountered, and the solutions to those problems. The author hoped to highlight those problems which impacted upon Air Force operations and focus the attention of logisticians toward viewing future munitions support as an indispensable part of the nation's preparation for war. Chapter Two presents a short history of the munitions industrial base from World War I up to the beginning Vietnam War. It looks at the level of preparedness of the munitions industrial base prior to each war and the problems encountered in trying to maintain industrial readiness in the periods of peace between the wars. Chapter Three lists the military and civilian organizations which supported Air Force munitions operations during the war. It starts with the evolution of the Department of Defense, goes through the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and then to the military organizations which made up the chain-of-command. Chapter Four is a chronology of munitions shortfalls. It discusses the condition of the munitions stockpile at the munitions shortages and the centralization of management authority and responsibility to higher levels of command up through the Department of Defense. It looks at other problems and solutions which were created as a result of munitions shortages, such as reporting procedures of transportation initiatives. Chapter Five is the conclusions, recommendations, and actions taken since the war's end. It also lists several topic areas for future study. Theses.