Powerlift–Getting to Desert Storm: Strategic Transportation and Strategy in the New World Order

Logistics, the movement of forces to battlefields, their supply, and on-going support, is critical to military success. Although this principle is theoretically accepted, the importance of being well-prepared to rapidly transport troops and supplies to distant crisis points has not been complemented, as Menarchik shows, by adequate lift capabilities. The author uses the six-month buildup to Desert Storm as proof that the United States needs to increase the priority of logistics in strategy and improve its strategic transport capabilities, especially surge strategic lift. Current transport capabilities will not be positioned or structured to respond effectively to the contingencies associated with America’s growing responsibilities given the realities of the New World Order.

Menarchik, himself an experienced pilot, policy planner, and operational commander, clearly demonstrates that Powerlift directly affects choices, timing, strategy development and implementation, and sweeping policy options. He shows that although combat strategy and tactics receive high profile attention it is Lift capability and capacity as a prerequisite that is fundamental to attaining objectives. Readers will learn where, how, and why America needs to improve its capabilities.