Transportation during Periods of Mobilization: A Historical Review

The effects on the U.S. Transportation system of military preparations for war are compounded by the concurrent transportation requirements of economic mobilization to support a war effort. Several studies of military logistics have concluded that the transportation system may be the limiting factor...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Middendorf, David P, Johnson, Larry R
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
HISTORY
LIMITATIONS
LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT
Logistics, Military Facilities and Supplies
MERCHANT VESSELS
MOBILIZATION
PREPARATION
REQUIREMENTS
RESPONSE
SCHEDULING
TRANSPORTATION
UNITED STATES
WARFARE
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Summary:The effects on the U.S. Transportation system of military preparations for war are compounded by the concurrent transportation requirements of economic mobilization to support a war effort. Several studies of military logistics have concluded that the transportation system may be the limiting factor in determining whether there is a successful operation. The responsiveness of the U.S. transportation system during recent military conflicts is reviewed, beginning with the Spanish-American War and continuing through the Korean War. The nature and scope of each war is characterized, and the associated mobilization is described. Technological developments and regulatory changes in the transportation system since World War II are also reviewed in terms of their implications for the response capability of the nation. The dominant theme that emerges from this study is the overriding need for close coordination between modes and appropriate setting of priorities for shipments. The lack of an efficient system ultimately results in severe congestion at ports and terminals. The critical importance of the merchant marine fleet in overseas conflicts during the previous wars is also identified.