Military Logistics and Strategic Performance

by Thomas M. Kane

This work argues that logistics in warfare is crucial to achieving strategic success. The author identifies logistical capabilities as an arbiter of opportunity, which plays a critical role in determining which side will hold the strategic iniative in war. Armies which have secured reliable resources of supply have a great advantage in determining the time and manner in which engagements take place. Often, they can fight in ways their opponents cannot. The author illustrates this point with case studies of British logistics during the Burma campaign in the World War II, American logistical innovations during the Pacific War, Communist supply methods during the American phase of the Vietnam War and the competing logistical systems of both NATO and Warsaw Pact conventional forces during the Cold War.

Genres: Military History, Military Fiction

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2001

About the author

I grew up in Maine, amidst hills and forests much like those of my favorite fantasy novels. After a few years publishing supplements for role-playing games (Shadowrun, AD&D, Cyberpunk and Ars Magica to name a few), I moved to the UK where I taught strategy and international relations at the University of Hull. Twenty years later, I have taken the opportunity to return to Maine and to fiction writing.

Reviews

[Sam Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this over a couple of days, it's a good look at logistics and since most of it is rearward looking, it remains up-to-date. The last chapter tries to predict the future, and therefore was wrong, but the rest of the book is excellent and its insight of logistics as force limiter you can put on your enemies is interesting. Can be tedious so don't pick this up for a beach read.

[Dylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author disagrees with Martin Van Creveld's position on logistics so much he wrote a book on it. There's a lot of good data in here that seems self apparent -- materiel movement is so crucial to war, it's hard to win unless your supply chains are better than your adversary's. This isn't an enjoyable read, but it's a great reference.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars, but I rounded down.

[Asad0791]

good one