Sustaining Tactical Maneuver on the AirLand Battlefield

<p>This monograph analyzes tactical sustainment of the heavy division with fuel on the AirLand Battlefield. The challenge of providing mechanized forces with fuel has increased in complexity because of the significant increases in fuel consumption brought about by force modernization. This monograph attempts to determine whether the current combat service support structure and doctrine is adequate to provide a continuous supply of fuel to meet requirements on a fluid non-linear battlefield. The monograph first examines the sustainment of U.S. armored divisions in World War II during late 1944 and early 1945 to reveal the tactical sustainment techniques and principles employed that led to success in support of offensive operations. Next the Soviet sustainment system employed on the eastern front during World War II is analyzed to disclose the general techniques and broad principles that led to success in supplying fuel within a highly mobile environment. Then once the historically derived sustainment principles are identified they are compared with the principles and techniques outlined in the current U.S. Army doctrine which is then contrasted with current Soviet concepts. Finally the combat service support doctrine is examined against current sustainment capabilities. The study concludes with several concerns that are characterized by shortfalls in capability when contrasted to current doctrine and maneuver force requirements.</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>