re: #109 Kilroy was here

This USMC doc explains why they aren’t attacking Ukrainian cities with troops. Keep in mine the Russian Army uses a “push” system of supply. That requires they have the right mix of supplies already on the road before the battle starts. They didn’t, and still don’t.

MCWP 3-35.3
MILITARY OPERATIONS ON URBANIZED TERRAIN (MOUT)

Historically, combat in urban environments has seen a dramatic
increase in the amounts of Class IV (shoring, sandbags, concertina wire), Class V
(ammunition), and Class VIII (medical material). Unique items, such as rope, grappling
hooks, and ladders are required for operations on urbanized terrain. Intense close quarter combat requires a continuous flow of ammunition, particularly small-arms, tank, antitank, mortar, and artillery ammunition, as well as mines, grenades, and demolition explosives.
Medical supplies must be readily available to treat the anticipated increase in casualties.
Once battle the has been initiated, combat forces will require continuous supply.
Urban warfare requires a flexible, balanced logistics system capable of sustaining the
close-quarter fighting evolutions within the built-up area.
One method of providing continuous logistics support is to establish a “push system.”
Essentially, this system pushes supplies to fighting units without their having to request
them. A “push system” should negate the inherent delays of a “pull system,” which
requires units to request supplies then await their arrival. Optimally however, a balanced
approach should be taken to sustain engaged forces (MCDP 4.). Combat service support, in terms of its timeliness and anticipation of the true needs of the combat units, should sustain the tempo of operations. It should avoid the delivery of unwanted or unnecessary supplies. To achieve this balanced approach, logisticians must develop flexible support plans that readily adapt to the ebb and flow of urban combat.

Speaking of which.

The most interesting/important story of the morning in terms of how the war might develop. The Ukrainian military is claiming that the logistics crisis that the Russians have been operating under since the start of the war is reaching acute crisis. see @guardian pic.twitter.com/HaJsjigErE

— Phillips P. OBrien (@PhillipsPOBrien) March 22, 2022