In the field of military science, maintaining supply lines while disrupting those of the enemy is considered a crucial element of military strategy. Without proper resources and transportation, an armed force is left defenseless. Historically, leaders such as Hannibal, Alexander the Great, and the Duke of Wellington have been recognized as logistical geniuses. For example, Alexander's meticulously planned provisioning of his army during the most protracted military campaign in history significantly contributed to its success. Additionally, Hannibal taught the Romans about logistics during the Punic Wars. Despite facing numerical disadvantages, Wellington's effective supply system played a vital role in the success of the Anglo-Portuguese army in the Peninsula War. Some scholars attribute the defeat of the British in the American War of Independence and the defeat of the Axis in the African theater of World War II to logistical failures.

 

The realm of military logistics is intricately tied to supply chain management, a process that involves predicting costs, deterioration, consumption, and future demand, considering various variables. The United States Armed Forces, for instance, have devised a supply classification system that groups together categories of supply with similar consumption variables for planning purposes. This system is a testament to the meticulous planning and foresight required in military logistics. It's worth noting that peacetime consumption of ammunition and fuel is considerably lower than wartime consumption, while other classes of supply, such as subsistence and clothing, have a relatively consistent consumption rate regardless of war or peace.