Logistics in World War II

Book excerpt: Logistics in World War II: Final Report of the Army Service Forces is the after-action report of the vast logistics undertaking by the ASF headquarters both in the zone of interior and in distant theaters during World War II, considered to be a logistician's war. Long out of print, this facsimile edition covers what was done, how it was done, the problems and their solutions, and the successes and failures, ending with key lessons for future application. The report provides insights into methods and practices to achieve logistics readiness, and serves as an invaluable reference source for those researching the logistical dimension stretching from the factory floor to the foxhole. ARMY SERVICE FORCES, known as the Services of Supply until 12 March 1943, was responsible for administrative, supply (including procurement), and service activities for the War Department as a whole. With its creation, Army logistics was put on what promised to be a businesslike footing.