RAIL OPERATIONS PLANNING

INTRODUCTION
Two world wars, the Korean war, and the Vietnam conflict have brought into sharp focus the tremendous demands of global warfare on transportation of all kinds. Despite lack of time, adverse weather, and enemy opposition, the Army must always have adequate transportation immediately available for use anywhere in the world. Not only is it necessary to move men and equipment to danger spots wherever they may be located, but it is also necessary to keep them
constantly supplied with all the stores and equipment the situation requires. The planning for such operations is a tremendous task.

When it becomes desirable to use a railroad located in a theater of operations, planning is especially difficult. The condition of the railroad and the capability of its equipment may be unknown; without constant maintenance, weather alone can cause rapid
deterioration. Add warinflicted damage and it is clear that the job of reestablishing operations will not be easy. Enemy bombers and saboteurs can further complicate matters. A singletrack railroad through rugged territory or through an area where the people are hostile to U. S. forces can prove particularly difficult to operate and maintain. Nevertheless, a plan must be made for the operation.