Logistics and the Fight: Lessons From Napoleon

Although the focus of the general is mainly on the defeat of an enemy, a military campaign will fail without equal attention given to logistics planning; logistics influence tempo, and unity of effort in logistics. The French campaign in Russia in 1812 provides outstanding lessons learned for any military leader conducting operations into a faraway land. Simply put, plan your logistics, understand how battlefield decisions regarding tempo affect logistic support, and ensure unity of effort within subordinate staffs to support the mission. Napoleon, although a great leader, failed to understand this relationship.