Military Logistics and Strategic Performance

by Kane,Thomas M.

• ISBN13: 9780714651613
• ISBN10: 0714651613
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-04-01
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Thomas Kane is a lecturer at the Department of Politics and Asian Studies at the University of Hull.

Table of Contents

Series Editor's Preface	ix
Acknowledgements	xi
List of Abbreviations	xii
The Arbiter of Opportunity	1	(14)
The Burma Campaign	15	(21)
Making It Work: America's War in the Pacific	36	(41)
Making Haste Slowly: Communist Logistics in Vietnam	77	(47)
The Cold War	124	(25)
The Revolution in Military Affairs	149	(22)
Conclusion: The Foundation of Strategy	171	(10)
Bibliography	181	(10)
Index	191