For Want of the Right Nail

<p>This thesis presents an initial attempt to analyze the relationship between strategy and logistics. History theory and practice have all shown that linking logistics and strategy is not an easy task and yet the consequences of discounting this relationship have been and will continue to be severe. Assessing the logistical problems associated with the initial buildup of the Vietnam War and then linking them to decisions made at the operational and strategic level of war suggests some important insights about the relationship. This is a timeless problem that spans all services and levels of war; one that in the end may be an unavoidable product of the interplay between organizations governments and personalities all of which assume they know what is best for the nation as well as their respected service. When the United States initiated major combat operations in Vietnam the Air Force found itself unprepared to conduct and support long-term conventional operations. By focusing on strategic bombing in the years leading up to direct American intervention the USAF intentionally neglected other more conventional capabilities and all the services suffered operationally due to this strategic focus. And yet can it be any other way? In a system of limited resources it is impossible to be ready for every conceivable situation involving global security. If a strategy is flexible enough to respond to every possible situation will it be strong enough to prevail in the situation at hand?</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>