Pure Logistics: The Science of War Preparation,

In 1917, when the author Lieutenant Colonel George C. Thorpe, USMC, published an unusual little book entitled Pure Logistics The Science of War Preparation, the word logistics was not particularly understood nor even generally used in the United States. Thorpe, indeed, may well have been one of the few military thinkers anywhere in the world to employ the term prominently at this time-and almost certainly the only one to attempt to define it carefully as a science. Thus, his thoughtful and perceptive analysis stands out as a milestone between the ground-breaking treatise of Jomini, published nearly a century earlier, and later writings on logistics that did not begin to appear until about the time of World War II. More importantly, Thorpes effort to define logistics was more than just an academic exercise. A proper definition, he argued, was essential for understanding the true role and function of logistics in war, for ensuring that none of its aspects were neglected, and for achieving ultimate victory in any conflict. As Colonel Thorpe suggested, logistics has had a long, neglected, and often misunderstood history. Part One Logistics - 1 Definition 2 Russian Campaign 3 Atlanta Campaign 4 German Army 5 National Organization of Fighting Forces 6 Naval Organization 7 Army Organization 8 The Fighting Machine 9 Peace-Time Logistics 10 Factory Preparedness 11 Logistical Problem Part Two Education.