The Reading File

The Critical Mile

This white paper examines the critical gaps in U.S. Army sustainment doctrine, force structure, and planning assumptions that leave logistics formations dangerously unprepared for large-scale combat operations in urban terrain. Drawing on lessons from Bakhmut, Mosul, Fallujah, and Gaza, the authors outline seven actionable reforms — from doctrine development to mobility redesign — that could keep sustainment alive when the fight moves to the city.