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Roman Army Supply Lines and Logistics

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Roman Army Supply Lines and Logistics (Overview)

This is a very interesting video regarding the Roman Army Supply Lines and Logistics.  Matches perfectly with the following quote:  “You won’t find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns, and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics” ~ General Dwight. D. Eisenhower

The Roman army was renowned for its efficiency and organization, and a key factor in its success was its well-developed supply and logistics system. The Romans were masters of military logistics and were able to maintain a large and effective fighting force over long distances and extended periods of time.

The Roman army relied on a network of roads and fortified supply depots to transport and store the supplies and equipment needed to support its soldiers. The Roman road system was one of the most advanced in the ancient world, and it allowed the army to quickly and efficiently move troops, equipment, and supplies to where they were needed.

The Roman army also had a system of supply depots and warehouses, known as “horrea,” that were used to store and distribute supplies to the soldiers. These depots were typically located along the Roman roads and were used to store food, water, and other supplies that were needed to support the army.

In addition to the supply depots and warehouses, the Roman army also had a system of supply convoys and pack animals, such as mules and oxen, to transport supplies over longer distances. The Romans were also skilled at foraging for supplies in the areas where they were fighting, which helped them to sustain their forces even when traditional supply lines were disrupted.

Overall, the Roman army’s supply and logistics system was a key factor in its ability to sustain large-scale military operations over extended periods of time and in a wide range of environments.

Leadership and Military Quotes about Logistics

  • “Gentlemen, the officer who doesn’t know his communications and supply as well his tactics is totally useless.” ~ General George S. Patton
  • “Past supply chain automation efforts will pale in comparison to the automation coming with IoT and Artificial Intelligence.” ~Dave Waters.
  • “Because of my wartime experience, I am insistent on the point that logistics know-how must be maintained, that logistic is second to nothing in importance in warfare, that logistic training must be widespread and thorough…” ~VADM Robert B. Carney, USN
  • “The war has been variously termed a war of production and a war of machines. Whatever else it is, so far as the United States is concerned, it is a war of logistics.” ~ Fleet ADM Ernest J. King, in a 1946 report to the Secretary of the Navy
  • “Logistics is simple, but not easy.” ~ Joe Lynch
  • “There is nothing more common than to find considerations of supply affecting the strategic lines of a campaign and a war.” ~ Carl von Clausevitz
  • “Without logistics the world stops.” ~Dave Waters
  • “Leaders win through logistics. Vision, sure. Strategy, yes. But when you go to war, you need to have both toilet paper and bullets at the right place at the right time. In other words, you must win through superior logistics.” ~ Tom Peters
  • “Only a commander who understand logistics can push the military machine to the limits without risking total breakdown.” ~Maj.Gen. Julian Thompson, Royal Marines
  • “Supply chains are everywhere.  From the biggest company in the world to running your household.  We all have SCM experience even if we don’t know it.”  ~Dave Waters.

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