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.