Role of Army railroading at the operational level of war.

by Smith, Bradley E. Little emphasis is being placed upon military railroading today by Defense Department planners. Rail is overshadowed by motor transport and theater air when it comes to supporting large unit operations. In doing that, logisticians may be shortchanging themselves and, worse still, the units they are obligated to support. A new look at Army railroading at the operational level of war is warranted because little has been written about it over the last several decades. 

Current terminology, doctrine and capabilities are summarized before further analysis is undertaken. The Army's present railroad doctrine is based upon the assumption that the present day equivalent of the Military Railway Service, which is the Transportation Railway Service, will be small in comparison to our efforts in World War II and the Korean conflict. In fact, our reliance upon host nation rail support is at an all time high. Foreign nationals will have to be assigned missions that soldiers have traditionally done in past wars. A reevaluation of Army railroading at the operational level of war is warranted before any realignment of doctrine and force structure is initiated. This paper is an attempt to make a contribution toward that end. The first step in that approach is to explore inherent advantages of rail from the standpoint of a theater commander. The second step is to examine railroad challenges confronting the operational commander and his staff. It is concluded that this mode of transportation warrants much more attention and consideration than it is currently receiving. Operational commanders have a great deal to gain from increasing the number of U.S. Army rail units. 

The advantages of rail outweigh any likely difficulties which might result from its use. To gain a true appreciation of rail, however, further analysis is required. Strengths and weaknesses of different transport modes need to be examined and quantified. Systemic comparisons need to be drawn so our logistical efforts can be better focused and directed. The appropriate place for military rail must be identified and the necessary personnel and equipment obtained. This is an important step which we can take now which will help to meet the pressing demands that are likely to be placed upon our logistical support structure in the future

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