This study assesses the role of operational logistics in a war environment and in an operations other than war (OOTW) environment by way of conducting a historical analysis of Desert Storm and humanitarian assistance operations in Somalia. A framework of campaign design elements is used to examine how operational logistics was integrated into each operation, and to what degree the design elements influenced the logistic support in the particular environment. Three conclusions stem from the research. One, the warfighting concept of operational logistics is transferrable when supporting certain operations other than war missions. The operational logistics functions apply, regardless of the environment in which it is executed. Therefore, from a functional approach, this study supports the idea that the operational level of war is applicable to the OOTW environment. The second conclusion is the construct of applying campaign design elements as criteria for measuring the integration and application of operational logistics was tested and found to be useful. It appears this use of criteria elements can serve as a template for operational logistics efforts both in war and peace, provided the functional aspect of the design element, vice the doctrinal pure definition, be considered when applying it to the different environments. The final implication of this study is it reaffirms that as one progresses up the levels of war, the distinction between strategy and logistics erodes.

ADA 300765 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)