Introduction

“Amateurs talk strategy. Professionals talk logistics.” These wise words, often attributed to General Omar Bradley, ring even more true today. 

The challenges of war have changed significantly over the past two decades, resulting in changes to Army structure and equipment modernization. However, the characteristics of sustainment have yet to evolve. The U.S. must strengthen its deterrence posture in the Indo-Pacific to deal with the challenges emerging from our adversaries, especially the pacing challenge in the Pacific. As the Army focuses on the Pacific region, it must acknowledge the obstacles it must overcome to handle the challenges, including the growing threat in the Pacific.

One of the enormous challenges is logistics. Logistics is undeniably crucial in military operations as it ensures the timely and effective movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies. However, despite its significance, logistics often need to be noticed or more emphasized in policy discussions, debates, and wargames. There are several reasons why this might occur.

• An Outsized Focus on Tactical and Strategic Considerations: Policy discussions, debates, and wargames often prioritize tactical and strategic aspects of military operations, such as combat operations, intelligence, and strategic planning. While these aspects are undoubtedly vital, the intricate details of logistics tend to receive less attention as they are seen as supporting elements rather than central components of military decision-making.
• Perception of Invisibility: Logistics functions are often viewed as background operations that are less visually compelling or attention-grabbing than combat actions. This perception can lead to a lack of awareness about logistics’ critical role in supporting military operations and achieving mission success.
• Complexity and Technical Nature: Logistics involves complex systems, processes, and coordination across multiple stakeholders, making it challenging to comprehend fully. The technical nature of logistics operations can make it difficult for policymakers and decision-makers without logistics expertise to fully grasp its intricacies and potential implications.
• Short-Term Focus and Cost Concerns: In policy discussions and debates, there may be a tendency to prioritize short-term objectives and immediate results over long-term logistical planning and investments. The costs associated with logistics, such as infrastructure development, maintenance, and supply chain management, can also lead to budgetary concerns that overshadow the broader strategic importance of logistics.

To address the current lack of emphasis on logistics in policy discussions and wargames, raising awareness about its importance and highlighting the potential consequences of neglecting logistics planning and coordination is crucial. This can be achieved through educational efforts, training programs, and incorporating logistics-focused scenarios and exercises into wargames and simulations. For example, in 2014, General Vincent Brooks developed the Pacific Pathways program, combining a series of partner-nation exercises into an integrated operation to build partnership capacity and readiness throughout the Pacific. Pacific Pathways is composed of annual Army partner exercises within the Pacific, including Khaan Quest, Cobra Gold, Keris Strike, Talisman Saber, Orient Shield, Hanuman Guardian, Salaknib, Yudh Abhyas, and the U.S.-China Disaster Management Exchange.¹ Major General David Wilson says, “These exercises increase multinational interoperability, assist in developing a regional sustainment network, enable experimentation with new Army capabilities, and support the rebalance of forces forward in the Pacific. As Pacific Pathways evolves, the Army prepares for persistent forward presence in the Indo-Pacific across all domains.”²

Prioritizing logistics is the key to the success of sustainment operations in the Pacific and ensuring that supplies reach where they are needed the most. By promoting a comprehensive understanding of logistics and its impact on military operations, policymakers can make informed decisions and develop strategies that account for logistical considerations from the outset, ensuring greater operational effectiveness and success.

The findings in this report are drawn on insight from several sources. These include interviews with subject matter experts (SMEs), case studies, a literature review, and more.

As part of the research process, SMEs in logistics were interviewed to gather their expertise and insights. These interviews provided valuable firsthand information and perspectives from experienced professionals in the field. Historical case studies of sustainment operations were also conducted to examine past logistics experiences in relevant contexts. These case studies offered insights into the challenges and strategies employed in sustaining military operations. A thorough review of Doctrine JP4.0 was completed, which pertains to logistics and sustainment operations, to understand the established principles, guidelines, and frameworks outlined by military authorities. This doctrinal review provided a foundation for understanding best practices and standards in logistics and historical information and insights into logistics operations during the Pacific campaign.³ It offered specific examples and context regarding logistics challenges and strategies employed during that time.

A webinar series focused on logistics in the Pacific Theater also provided access to expert perspectives and research on logistics operations. The webinars allowed for the exploration of contemporary insights and discussions related to logistics in the specific context of the Pacific Theater. Finally, engagement with military commands and staff offered insightful perspectives that informed this report. Engagement with organizations such as the Joint Staff, Combined Arms Sustainment Command, Army G-3, Army Sustainment Command, and Army G-4 provided opportunities to gather information, insights, and perspectives from professionals involved in logistics planning and execution.

Drawing on these diverse perspectives and sources, this report hopes to provide a comprehensive understanding of logistics challenges and best practices in the Pacific Theater.