Logistics: Fuel Consumption Per Soldier Since World War II

Archives

December 11, 2025: The primary advantage U.S. forces have in wartime is logistics. Since World War II American forces have prevailed largely because there were always enough supplies, especially bombs, bullets, rockets, missiles, shells and all other implements of destruction. American forces did not win every battle, but the enemy always took a beating.

During the 1950-53 Korean War, 1,283,000 U.S. soldiers and marines served. Calculating fuel consumed per day is impossible to calculate because no precise records were maintained that would allow for calculating how many L/Liters per day each soldier and marine required.

During the 1965-1975 American involvement in the Vietnam War, American soldiers and marines consumed 33.4 L per day

The 1990-91 Gulf War American ground forces consumed 38 L per man per man daily.

The 2001-21 War in Afghanistan US ground forces consumed 57 L per man per man daily, almost all of which had to be delivered by thirsty aircraft.

During the two wars in Iraq, the 1991 war was to drive Iraqi forces out of Kuwait. During that war U.S. troops consumed 37 L of fuel per day for each soldier.

In 2003 American forces invaded Iraq to overthrow the government of Saddam Hussein. During that war U.S. troops consumed 55.5 L of fuel per day for each soldier.

X

ad

Help Keep StrategyPage Open

First came Facebook, then came Twitter, and finally, AI has arrived. They have all caused a decline in our business, but AI may be the deadliest innovation. We are currently in survival mode. Our writers and staff receive no payment in some months, and even when they do, it is below the minimum wage for their efforts. You can support us with your donations or subscriptions. Please help us keep our doors open.

Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on X.

Subscribe   Donate   Close