Many argue if Gen. Patton truly made the above remarks, but he had a clear understanding of the importance of logistics. After the Normandy landing that occurred in the year 1944 in August as the allied forced France against Germany offensively, the third Army of General Patton went short of fuel and they had to cut short their advance (Neubauer, 2011).
According to Martin Van Creveld, several operations of the allied in the European theater, in the course of the Second World War, were implemented and frequently cancelled with reasons of logistics. This clearly displayed how logistics can limit the operations of the military if they are not well and managed properly. Operations of the military rely on logistics on all the existing levels, tactical, strategic, and operational. Strategic logistics usually assist the government with information useful in building, projecting and sustaining the power of military over time using its industrial foundation. Operational logistics are the addition of the activities and resources needed for sustaining major campaigns and operations.
Tactical logistics is the time at which need exists for execution of the military functions. All levels of logistics are significant depending on each other for the provision of the correct resources at the correct place and at the correct time to sustain and move a force. Logistics should be a driving force for the success of the military. A scenario where logistics proved successful was during the initial stages of the Operation Enduring Freedom. Three months later after the terrorist attacks against the United States, the Task Force under the stewardship of Brigadier General Mattis James commenced an ambitious attack into the Southern Afghanistan over...
For some three months, TF 58 performed operations of combat in austere, areas that were isolated and needed very complex logistics offering support (Neubauer, 2011).
Following detailed planning and a combination of logistics efforts at every level from logisticians, TF 58 was seen through completion of its mission and assisted to remove the Taliban Regime from power. The TF 58 success was evidence that logistics have the ability of enabling military action is one of the major capabilities of the United States military. Logistics capacity is significant to developed and developing countries. With its enormous logistic capability at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels, the U.S. has stressed establishing this capacity of their partners. The security of partners and allies may grow to be strong. Their military may overcome the challenges and facilitate the action of resolving the security challenges of the 21st century through logistics capacity building. Apart from Iraq and Afghanistan, many partners of the United States around the globe need help in establishing their logistics capacity, but the U.S. does not concentrate on the issue of security cooperation (Parry & Graves, 2008).
References
Parry, G., & Graves, a. (2008). Build to order: The road to the 5-day car. London: Springer.
Neubauer, R.M. (2011). Business Models in the Area of Logistics: In Search of Hidden Champions, their Business Principles, and Common Industry Misperceptions. Wiesbaden: Gabler.
Zanjirani, R., Asgari, N. & Davarzani, H. (2009). Supply chain and logistics in national, international, and governmental environment: Concepts and models. Heidelberg: Physica
