USS ALASKA
Captain
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2016
Stumbled onto quite a few papers about Civil War Railroads. Thought I would start a thread to collect them to have as a reference.
Will begin with one that is often used and quoted here...
Collection: Combat Studies Institute (CSI)
Title: Rails to Oblivion: The decline of Confederate railroads in the Civil War.
Author: Gabel, Christopher R.
Abstract: This study is a companion piece to "Railroad generalship" by the same author, and shows that neither brilliant generals or valiant soldiers can, in the long run, overcome the effects of a neglected and deteriorating logistics system. Moreover, the cumulative effect of mundane factors such as metal fatigue, mechanical friction and accidents in the civilian workplace can contribute significantly to the outcome of a war.
Series: Combat Studies Institute Press Publications
Publisher: Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute, US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original 2002
Release Statement: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Repository: Combined Arms Research Library
Library: Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
"Military professionals need always to recognize the centrality of logistics to military operations. In this booklet, Dr. Christopher R. Gabel provides a companion piece to his "Railroad Generalship" which explores the same issues from the other side of the tracks, so to speak. "Rails to Oblivion" shows that neither brilliant generals nor valiant soldiers can, in the long run, overcome the effects of a neglected and deteriorating logistics system. Moreover, the cumulative effect of mundane factors such as metal fatigue, mechanical friction, and accidents in the civilian workplace can contribute significantly to the outcome of a war. And no matter how good some thing or idea may look on paper, or how we delude ourselves, we and our soldiers must live with, and die in, reality. War is a complex business. This booklet explores some o t he facets of war that often escape the notice of military officers, and as COL Jerry Morelock intimated in his foreword to "Railroad Generalship," these facets decide who wins and who loses."
September 2002 LAWYN C. EDWARDS
Colonel, Aviation
Director, Combat Studies Institute
Enjoy!
USS ALASKA
Will begin with one that is often used and quoted here...
Collection: Combat Studies Institute (CSI)
Title: Rails to Oblivion: The decline of Confederate railroads in the Civil War.
Author: Gabel, Christopher R.
Abstract: This study is a companion piece to "Railroad generalship" by the same author, and shows that neither brilliant generals or valiant soldiers can, in the long run, overcome the effects of a neglected and deteriorating logistics system. Moreover, the cumulative effect of mundane factors such as metal fatigue, mechanical friction and accidents in the civilian workplace can contribute significantly to the outcome of a war.
Series: Combat Studies Institute Press Publications
Publisher: Fort Leavenworth, KS: Combat Studies Institute, US Army Command and General Staff College,
Date, Original 2002
Release Statement: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Repository: Combined Arms Research Library
Library: Combined Arms Research Library Digital Library
"Military professionals need always to recognize the centrality of logistics to military operations. In this booklet, Dr. Christopher R. Gabel provides a companion piece to his "Railroad Generalship" which explores the same issues from the other side of the tracks, so to speak. "Rails to Oblivion" shows that neither brilliant generals nor valiant soldiers can, in the long run, overcome the effects of a neglected and deteriorating logistics system. Moreover, the cumulative effect of mundane factors such as metal fatigue, mechanical friction, and accidents in the civilian workplace can contribute significantly to the outcome of a war. And no matter how good some thing or idea may look on paper, or how we delude ourselves, we and our soldiers must live with, and die in, reality. War is a complex business. This booklet explores some o t he facets of war that often escape the notice of military officers, and as COL Jerry Morelock intimated in his foreword to "Railroad Generalship," these facets decide who wins and who loses."
September 2002 LAWYN C. EDWARDS
Colonel, Aviation
Director, Combat Studies Institute
Enjoy!
USS ALASKA