Introducing “Logistics In War”

‘The conclusion is irresistible that the military themselves know next to nothing about logistics’.

– United States Marine Corps Colonel George C Thorpe, Pure Logistics, 1917.

Welcome to ‘Logistics In War’, a blog dedicated to exploring logistics and its impact on modern warfare.

The blog is a public, unofficial, ‘Professional Military Education’ site, accompanied by a  Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/logisticsinwar/) which provides useful links and articles to a broad, but predominantly military, audience.

It is the purpose of this blog to instigate and inspire, continue and create, a discussion on military logistics that is so often sorely lacking (or if it does occur, does so behind closed doors). Although the blog currently reflects an Australian and Army orientation, its vision is to become broadly applicable; to reflect the many different approaches to logistics as practiced by different military Services, the Joint domain, and militaries of all persuasions.

Furthermore, the blog will support the establishment of an international community of military logisticians that can share ideas, concepts and useful material in an insightful, courteous and professional manner which reflects the values of the militaries and Defence organisations that its readers may serve in. In time, guest posts will be added to the site, including from the international military logistics community.

‘Logistics in War’ aspires to provide life to a topic area that is generally dry, overly technical and grossly specialised. Its practical perspective serves the logistician and commander alike. Logistics is, after all, the conjunction of military strategy and operational concepts with the realities and practicalities of war. It deals with facts and the compromises of commanders who must shape their decisions upon the limitations and constraints of their force. As Thomas Kane, in the great Military logistics and strategic performance, puts it, logistics is an ‘arbiter’ in battle and in war. It is therefore well worth our while to understand it.

Please take the time to explore the site and don’t leave without subscribing or following. Alternatively, as described above, follow’ @logisticsinwar on Facebook.  The Facebook page includes links to a variety of relevant articles, including posts on this blog.

Thanks for your interest. Enjoy the blog.

Logistics in War

13 thoughts on “Introducing “Logistics In War””

  8. David,

    I shall follow with interest. I was once told that if you want to a good PhD then pick a ‘boring’ subject like logistics. I never did but it is important to understand its significance. On that note, have you read Peter Dye’s work ‘The Bridge to Air Power’? This is the book that came out of his PhD on the logistical support for the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War and might be of interest.

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  10. Dave, again, well done on being the force behind this initiative. Given the lessons of many nations throughout the history of warfare, and our recent experience over the last 17 years in particular, there is plenty of material for the logistics community (and others) to discuss and debate. I sincerely hope this becomes an enduring platform that adds to the continued professionalisation of military logisticians.

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    1. Thanks Sir, your words are sincerely appreciated. Given the interest so far, I am confident the blog will assist in providing that ‘food for thought’ and material to generate further discussion in the future. In speaking of the Australian Army’s transformation, I believe logisticians have great opportunity to positively influence the things to come. Thanks again, DB

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