Logistics: A crucial warfighting element

[admin]

34 (http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/attritionist-letters-archives)
Dear Captain Wormwood,

I must say your last letter left me upset. There is no doubt that logistics is a crucial element of warfighting, but some of your comments regarding logistics support to your battalion make me fear you have been thinking. That is always a bad habit in a junior officer. Your commanding officer may say you are doing a great job, but keep in mind that he is one of those detestable disciples of Gen Alfred M. Gray and his band of “maneuverists.” I would not expect a mere captain to comprehend just how complex the science of logistics is and what is necessary to keep the store in order, which should always be a logisticians first concern. Read the entire attritionist letter. . . (http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/article/attritionist-letters-9)


Read all of our attritionist letters here. (http://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/attritionist-letters-archives)

[a777pilot]

necessary to keep the store in order, which should always be a logisticians first concern.

With all sue respect....BS!

The only function of our Corps' Logisticans is to make sure that those out front and those directly supporting those out front have what they need to fight and win. All else is irrelevant. I really don't care how well the "store" is kept.

This reminds me of a conversation we had with the "supply department" on MCAS Futemna one day many years ago. The supply officer said these unbelievable words, "But if I give you one then I won't have one."

In the words of Grandpa Pettibone, ".....'nuff said."

[rifledoc]

Please keep in mind that the “Attritionist Letters” are satirical in nature.

The main point of the Logistics Letter is to show the potential dangers of highly centralized and rigid logistical processes and control and how that kind of way of providing logistical support can actually detract from effectively supporting the warfighter. Logisticians need to always been looking for ways to best support the mission even if it means going outside the “system” to do so. However, that does not mean complete abandonment of the “system”. Resources are always limited, and the logistician must be able to focus those resources at the decisive time and place, just like an infantryman does with his people and weapon systems. “Keeping the store well kept,” should never be the primary concern, but it still needs to be an important one. If not precious recourses will be squandered and not there when and where they are need most. All Marines, and especially logisticians, need to make sure that our logistics “system” always remains flexible enough to adapt to any situation and need, but still be controlled enough to not waste what little we do have.