From the Red Ball Express to the Objective Force: A Quest for Logistics Transformation

摘要

Throughout history, logistics has been the linchpin to success or failure of most military endeavors. Yet, logistics has never been at the forefront of transformation initiatives or dialogue. Logistics transformation occurs largely in reaction to combat operations as opposed to establishing proactive systems to support future combat operations and capabilities. Instead, advancements in logistics doctrine traditionally originate with the ingenuity of the American Soldier. Our ability to adapt to combat imperatives in order to bring about success is the mark of the American Army. However, during the downtime between conflicts we have not taken full advantage of the opportunity to transform the logistics systems to better support the force. Funding priority and developmental focus invariably migrate to the combat systems while logistic transformation ideas have been bogged down by parochialism and institutional neglect. What follows is an examination of three cases in history demonstrating our inability to properly plan for logistics transformation: the Red Ball Express during World War II, supply system reform during the Vietnam conflict, and recent material management transformation initiatives. This paper will close with the current status of the logistics transformation process.