Strategic Logistical Doctrine in the Gulf War

Logistics, as defined in Doctrine for Logistic Support Of Operations, joint Publication 4-0, is a process consisting of planning and executing the movement and sustainment of operating forces in the execution of a military strategy and operations. The art of logistics is how to integrate the three levels of war (strategic, operational, and tactical) sustainment efforts within the theater, while programming the mobilization and deployment of units, personnel, and supplies in support of the deployment concept of a theater combatant commander. Logistics proved to be the combat multiplier in Desert Shield/Storm that provided the enhancement needed for victory. Desert Shield/Storm was a force projection war and a demonstration of future conflicts. The lessons learned in southwest Asia have laid the groundwork for logistical doctrine in the future. In September, 1992, the new joint Pub 4-0, Doctrine for Logistic Support of Joint Operations was published and Army's new FM 100-5, Operations, is in the final stages. Both of these documents lay the foundation for conducting contingency operations in the future and will form the framework for comparing the Gulf War logistics to the applicable doctrine in this study.