Examining U.S. Army Logistics: Determining Relevance for 21st Century Operations

This paper will review some of the historical trends and discuss the implications for the future of Army logistics as it supports the nations Army, forward deployed or as it projects ground power to operations in a combatant commanders area of operations. This analysis will be accomplished through a review of the logistics force structure of the Total Force, by looking at case studies of some pertinent logistics structure challenges, influences, and corresponding initiatives during the timeframes of WWII, Vietnam, Desert ShieldStorm, and Operation Iraqi FreedomOperation New Dawn, and by discussing the current era of persistent conflict. Each of these case studies examines the timeframes logistics structure, logistics flow, use of reserves, and use of contractors. Providing logistical sustainment to an active duty U.S. Army is an expensive task. As the nation currently looks at efficiency in operations and cost reductions across the whole of government, changes in the Army logistics will necessarily occur. This paper will look at the historical evolution of Army logistics, primarily in the modern era since 1940, and make recommendations for a feasible, efficient logistical structure for the near future.