Scavenger Logistics in Support of Tactical Operations

This monograph examines the scavenger logistics concept of tactical sustainment in an effort to determine whether it can be a viable alternative or supplement to future U.S. Army tactical sustainment operations. By the author’s definition, tactical scavenging is the appropriately sanctioned search for and use of resources found within an organization’s area of operations to sustain that organization. A force can scavenge from other friendly military forces, enemy military forces, friendly nonmilitary sources, and nonmilitary sources in a hostile or occupied territory. Historical examples of tactical scavenging are cited with emphasis on U.S. Army experiences from World War II to present. Then, current doctrinal publications are assessed in regards to scavenging followed by discussion of the major factors involved in the decision to scavenge: mission, enemy, area of operations, time, friendly forces, politics, intensity of war, and leadership. Next, the benefits derived from and the costs associated with scavenging are highlighted with some elaboration. The author concludes that current warfighting doctrine supports the employment of scavenger logistics; in actuality, scavenging is as important today as ever before. With command involvement, tailored organization, reliable coordination, and comprehensive training, a U.S. Army tactical force can sustain itself at least partially by scavenging. Basically, scavenging is a sustainment accelerator that cannot be overlooked by tactical and logistical commanders and staffs when planning and conducting future operations.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.