Military logistics is the discipline of planning and carrying out the movement, supply, and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:
Design, development, acquisition, storage, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel. Transport of personnel. Acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation and disposition of facilities. Acquisition or furnishing of services. Medical and health service support. Logistics is an enabler of military operations, not an end in itself. Poor logistics can result in defeat, but even the best logistics cannot guarantee victory. Conversely, the best possible logistics is not always required: fit for purpose can suffice.
Etymology The word "logistics" is derived from the Greek adjective logistikos meaning "skilled in calculating", and its corresponding Latin word logisticus. In turn this comes from the Greek logos, which refers to the principles of thought and action. The Greek terms logistikos and logisteuo (to steward or administer) share the same root as logistês, which referred to both the master of mathematics, and, at least in Athens, to an auditing magistrate to whom other elected magistrates were accountable. The term "logistics" fell into disuse, and disappeared entirely after the 10th century. Another Latin root, log-, gave rise around 1380 to logio, meaning to lodge or dwell, and became the French verb loger, meaning "to lodge". Around 1670, the French King Louis XIV created the position of Maréchal des logis, an officer responsible for planning marches, establishing camp sites, and regulating transport and supply. The term logistique soon came to refer to his duties. It was in this sense that Antoine-Henri Jomini referred to the term in his Summary of the Art of War (1838). In the English translation, logistique became "logistics".
Definitions The term came to mean not just the planning of activities, but the activities themselves as well. In 1888, Charles C. Rogers created a course on naval logistics at the Naval War College. In Farrow's Military Encyclopedia (1895), Edward S. Farrow, an instructor in tactics at West Point defined logistics as "that branch of the military art embracing all the details for moving and supplying armies." The term was popularised during the Second World War. In Logistics in World War II: Final Report of the Army Service Forces, Lieutenant General LeRoy Lutes, the commanding general of the Army Service Forces, gave the term a more expansive definition, embracing all military activities not encompassed by strategy and tactics.
NATO uses a more restrictive definition:The science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces. In its most comprehensive sense, the aspects of military operations which deal with: In the 1960s, the term "logistics" began to be used in the business world, where it means physical distribution and supply chain management. This is far more restricted than the military definition. Logistics is an enabler of military operations, not an end in itself. Poor logistics can result in defeat, but even the best logistics cannot guarantee victory. Conversely, the best possible logistics is not always required: fit for purpose can suffice.
Principles
Historian James A. Huston proposed sixteen principles of military logistics:
Equivalence: Strategy, tactics and logistics are inseparable and interdependent facets of military art and science. Material precedence: Mobilisation of materiel should precede that of personnel, and the provision of logistical units that of combat units. Forward impetus: The impetus of supply should be from the rear, and combat unit commanders should be spared having to deal with logistical details while still being in control of their logistics. Mobility: Logistics should facilitate the rapid movement of both combat and logistical units in support of operations. Dispersion: Multiple sources of supply and lines of communications reduce the enemy interference and congestion of transportation infrastructure. Economy: Logistical resources are limited, so they must be deployed so as to make the best use of them. Feasibility: Logistical capabilities are subject to external constraints. Flexibility: Strategic and operational plans and priorities change and logistical support must change with them. Relativity: Logistics is relative to time and space. Continuity: Fundamental changes should not be required to meet an emergency. Timeliness Logistical tasks must be accomplished so as to take full advantage of opportunities. Responsibility: Someone must be responsible for logistical performance and outcomes. Unity of command: Logistics is a function of command and a single authority should be responsible for logistics. Information: Accurate and timely information is required for effective logistical planning and support. Quality: Logistics is facilitated by strict quality standards. Simplicity: Simple solutions are more effective and manageable. The United States Joint Chiefs of Staff reduced the number of principles to just seven:
Responsiveness: Providing the required support when and where it is needed. Simplicity: fosters unity and efficiency in planning and execution, and reduces the fog of war and the "friction" caused by combat. Flexibility: the ability to improvise and adapt to changing situations and requirements. Economy: using the minimum amount of resources required to bring about an objective. Attainability: the point at which sufficient supplies, support and distribution capabilities exist to initiate operations at an acceptable level of risk. Sustainability: the ability to maintain the necessary level and duration of logistics support to achieve objectives. Survivability: the capacity to prevail in spite of adverse impacts.
Supply options There are three basic options for the supply of an army in the field, which can be employed individually or in combination.
Obtain supplies in the field
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