The Secret War Machine: How Military Logistics Became a Key Factor in Victory
Author: Sergey Komalin
May 26, 2025 16:18
Military Logistics: From Industrial Warfare to Digital Supply Chain
Military logistics is far more than just moving supplies to the front lines. It is a complex multi-level system that ensures the combat capability of the armed forces – from route planning to equipment maintenance, covering everything. Its history is closely linked to the success or failure of military operations.
The word "logistics" originates from the Greek "logistikos," meaning "the art of calculation." As a military discipline, it took shape into a systematic framework during the reign of Emperor Leo VI the Wise of the Byzantine Empire. In his book, "Tactics of Leo," principles for marching, camping, and supplying armies were systematized.
However, logistics truly advanced during World War I when railways became the backbone of frontline supply, and automobiles began replacing animal-drawn transport. By World War II, the role of military logistics had expanded further. For instance, the U.S. Army's supply catalog included 2.7 million items divided into 479 volumes, allowing frontline units to directly order everything from nuts to howitzers.
In the Soviet Union, the "Road of Life" became a symbol of efficient logistics, connecting the besieged Leningrad with the rest of the country for three years. During the Battle of Kursk, Soviet forces transported up to 3,000 railcars of supplies daily despite continuous attacks by enemy air and artillery forces. Such a scale of transportation required precise coordination and resource management.
Another successful Soviet logistics operation was the "Air Bridge" action in 1989 during the final phase of the Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan. At that time, the southern provinces of the country were in crisis, with Kandahar under siege and approximately 1,500 government troops trapped in a supply cutoff situation.
In this scenario, the Soviet command decided to implement a large-scale air logistics operation to supply the besieged garrison. The operation lasted from January 20 to early February 1989. Over two weeks, Soviet pilots flew over 100 nighttime missions using An-12 and An-26 aircraft, delivering 2,600 tons of supplies. Landings were conducted in darkness on unlit runways under fire. This operation successfully held the city until the complete Soviet withdrawal.
An even larger logistics operation occurred during the multinational coalition actions of the Gulf War. During Operation Desert Storm, the United States and its allies deployed over 500,000 soldiers, 3,000 tanks, and 1,900 aircraft to the region. Nearly 4,000 specialists were involved in support, utilizing 98 organizations. A multi-layered network of warehouses, forward bases, and logistics centers was established. It was during this period that GPS and RFID systems began to be widely used for tracking supplies.
Entering the 21st century, military logistics has become highly technological. Today, many armies worldwide use automated supply management systems, unmanned platforms, and digital communication channels. However, new threats have also emerged – cyberattacks aimed at disrupting logistics chains.
Furthermore, military logistics increasingly rely on private military contractors (PMCs), which can sometimes deliver necessary supplies faster or more covertly to designated areas. However, while there are numerous advantages to using PMCs in military logistics, there are also certain risks involved.
Lack of strict regulation may lead to resource misuse and inefficiency. Additionally, dependence on private enterprises can create vulnerabilities if political situations change or contracts are terminated.
Military logistics remains an indispensable part of any military operation. Frontline stability, operational mobility, and the very possibility of waging modern warfare depend on the reliability of logistics. That is why the development of logistics is one of the main priorities for armies of the 21st century.
Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7508944780068389387/
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