By:  Lt Col Summer C. Kolcun

The March to Valley Forge, by William B. T. Trego, 1883. Trego depicted ragged, ill-clothed soldiers. Some have bare feet, as shown on the front left. On the right, the soldier saluting Washington has bandages on his legs and feet. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution)

The logistics lessons from the American Revolution remain highly relevant to today’s geopolitical landscape. Examining these historical insights highlights the significant challenges the United States (US) may encounter in a potential conflict with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Parallels between the British Empire’s struggles during the Revolutionary War and contemporary US strategic hurdles reveal the enduring importance of logistical strategy, providing valuable lessons for future military planning.

The British faced the tyranny of distance during the American Revolution; the US would similarly face the challenge of distance in a potential confrontation with the PRC. Taiwan, located just 100 miles off mainland China, is nearly 6,000 miles from the continental US.[i] During the American Revolution, the vast distance between Britain and the colonies complicated decision-making and logistics, as providing troops and resources became a significant challenge. Messages took one to two months to cross the Atlantic Ocean, forcing British commanders to make risk-based decisions with limited information about resources and uncertain reinforcements. Today, while communication is instantaneous, commanders in contested areas will still face the challenge of making risk-based decisions regarding the time needed to resupply forces or the uncertainty of assets arriving in time.

Map of Taiwan (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock contributor AustralianCamera)

The British were fighting against the American colonies’ ideology of self-determination and freedom. In a similar fashion, the PRC staunchly defends its ideological belief that Taiwan and the South China Sea, as delineated by the nine-dash line,[ii] constitute part of its sovereign territory. Additionally, Britain was concerned about losing access to valuable natural resources and exports, such as tobacco, if it relinquished control over the colonies. In the same vein, the US must consider the economic ramifications of the PRC taking full control of the South China Sea—which accounts for one-third of global shipping—and Taiwan, a crucial hub for semiconductor manufacturing.[iii]

Illustrative Map of China’s Dashed Line sourced from the US Department of State Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs “Limits in the Seas” Study No. 143 document.

During the American Revolution, Britain found itself entangled in multiple conflicts, effectively the first global war of its kind. Today, the demand for US security assistance is ongoing and multifaceted, resulting in the deployment of troops and assets across various theaters worldwide, which in turn affects military readiness. The US could find itself as stretched as the British empire was during the American Revolution with little public support at home or in Congress.

Knowledge of the local terrain is also important. The American colonies were characterized by undeveloped, often rocky and mountainous terrain, making navigation difficult without local support. Similarly, Taiwan features challenging mountainous landscapes and steep shorelines. Securing, protecting, or re-taking such terrain would pose significant difficulties for any military force, regardless of the quantity or quality of its assets.

The French and Indian War gave British military leaders and future American Revolution leaders like George Washington a taste of battle in the colonies and valuable lessons that would contribute to the colonies’ success during the American Revolution. Major General Edward Braddock’s expedition to take France’s Fort Duquesne in 1755 covered over 100 miles through difficult, rocky terrain and was hindered by a cumbersome baggage train, including heavy artillery. It ended in disaster at the Battle of the Monongahela, where French forces ambushed the troops, leading to over 900 casualties and the loss of critical supplies.[iv] Braddock, used to the infrastructure of pre-industrialized Britain, mistakenly believed that British military tactics, reliant on extensive supply trains and traditional logistics, would suffice in the rugged American wilderness. He underestimated the landscape’s challenges and ignored local knowledge in his strategy.

As one of Braddock’s aides, Washington gained crucial insights into military logistics and the need to adapt planning to specific environments and anticipated conflict types. He recognized that lighter equipment and streamlined supply lines would be more effective against Indigenous tactics in rugged terrain.[v] This experience demonstrates the importance of questioning established assumptions and the value of engaging local experts and conducting thorough reconnaissance to understand the battlefield better.

A few years later, General John Forbes expedition successfully captured Fort Duquesne.[vi] Forbes’ incorporation of engineering into the campaign, including road and fortification construction, emphasized the importance of understanding terrain for troop movements.[vii] This experience reinforced the essential roles of engineering, infrastructure, and supply lines in military operations—critical lessons that shaped Washington’s future leadership.

These campaigns were executed at a time and place of Britain’s choosing while equipped with all the necessary supplies and troops to meet their military objectives, illustrating that even with the time and resources to assemble personnel and equipment, a lack of effective planning and understanding of the operational environment can derail even the most well-conceived strategies.

Airman 1st Class Nevada Martin, 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load team member, operates a bomb lift truck to attach an AIM-120 missile onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Jan. 14, 2020. This exercise simulated a forward deployed environment for operating without prepositioned equipment. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua R. M. Dewberry)

American Revolution Challenges and Successes

During the winter encampment at Valley Forge, Washington faced the formidable challenge of providing shelter, food, clothing, supplies, and medical support amid scarce resources and limited assistance from the Continental Congress. He recognized logistics’ crucial role in troop resilience, morale, and retention. Even when other officers took leave, Washington remained at Valley Forge, working diligently to provide shelter, medical care, and food to his soldiers. Additionally, he prioritized military training: under Baron von Steuben’s guidance, troops enhanced their skills in preparation for the next campaign season, which ultimately contributed to their success at the Battle of Monmouth.[viii]

Throughout the conflict, supplies were frequently scarce and often raided by loyalists, spoiled in depots, or delayed by corrupt officials. Washington addressed these shortages by taking the initiative to collaborate directly with suppliers and the local populace to establish secure and reliable supply chains.[ix] Recognizing that he could not meet the army’s supply demands on his own, he created quartermaster positions to oversee these responsibilities. His appointment of Major General Nathaniel Greene as Quartermaster General was significant. Greene was an officer who understood the battlefield importance of strategically located magazine stores and the complexities of navigating Congressional relations, which played a crucial role in securing later victories for the Continental Army.[x]

The siege of Yorktown serves as a successful example of utilizing logistics effectively across the battlespace to enable victory. Washington effectively synchronized logistics with French allies, ensuring the coordinated movement of supplies, artillery, and troops. In the weeks leading up to the operation, Washington accumulated food, ammunition, and other essential supplies to support a prolonged siege. He utilized local resources and advocated for additional funding and supplies to the Continental Congress. Washington’s engineers constructed siege works, facilitated troop movements, and managed the logistics required for transporting cannons.[xi] Yorktown represented the culmination of the logistical lessons and experiences that Washington gained throughout his military career, marking a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.

The surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown A.D. 1781. Print depicts the surrender of the British forces after the Battle of Yorktown. Major General O’Hara, substituting for General Cornwallis, is shown handing his sword to the Comte de Rochambeau, who is standing next to General Washington. (Photo retrieved from the Library of Congress)

Relevance of Past Lessons Today

Like George Washington and the Continental Army, the US military must develop a comprehensive understanding of the operating environment, including the logistics and supply challenges it presents. This includes familiarity with the geography, terrain, and logistical constraints in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and the first and second island chains. Leaders should consistently reassess and challenge existing assumptions about the operating environment to avoid being caught off guard in the field. The US military relies heavily on reachback capabilities; if these are unavailable, leaders must be aware of the resources accessible within the theater and the agreements established with allies and partners that can offer support, shelter, and supplies.

US military leaders must adopt the same dedication and productivity that George Washington exhibited during winter quartering, as we are now in a critical “winter” of our own in the context of a potential conflict with the PRC. It is essential for the United States to prepare strategic stockpiles, strengthen supply chains, and engage with local populations to establish support agreements. Furthermore, it is crucial to maintain retention and morale during this challenging time of limited resources and budget constraints to avoid significant sustainability issues in the future. Washington recognized the importance of rallying support; he effectively leveraged France’s commitment to the American Revolution to encourage re-enlistments. Lastly, it is crucial for military leaders to ardently study the operational environment and conduct training during this “winter” phase—to hone skills relevant to the anticipated type of conflict—before any fighting begins.

The US military must cultivate officers adept at navigating logistics challenges and capable of leading mission-focused teams trained for today’s unique operational environments, particularly in the context of potential conflict with the PRC. It is crucial for these mission-focused teams to have a comprehensive understanding of their operational strengths and weaknesses, along with the logistics support necessary for deploying and sustaining operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Given the potential for dispersed and possibly disconnected operations across the Pacific, coupled with the high stakes posed by peer adversaries, the risk of significant casualties in the field is high. This reality highlights the urgent need for Mission Command and cohesive teams that deeply comprehend their mission and the complexities of the operating environment.

Leaders must recognize that effective logistics planning is fundamental to achieving operational success. We require leaders who, like Washington, grasp the complexities of acquiring, planning, and managing logistics. They must understand the importance of maintaining supplies, as shortages can significantly affect morale and operational effectiveness. In this changing landscape, strong, informed leadership in logistics is more vital than ever.

Air Force Gen. Randall Reed, commander of U.S. Transportation Command, receives a mission brief while touring Pyeongtaek Port, South Korea, June 10, 2025. Reed visited several U.S., allied, and commercial installations in the Pacific to strengthen relationships, increasing logistics capacity and cooperation, and discuss the importance of preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific. (DoD photo by Jonathan Stefanko)

What’s Different Today?

In any comparison to the past, there are significant differences. Today, the US benefits from a robust network of allies and partners around the world. While many of these allies may lack the capability for power projection in a potential conflict with the PRC, they can serve as crucial sources of supplies or as locations for logistics hubs and routes. The US should prioritize strengthening these networks now to enhance resilience and logistics support capabilities so they are well established when we need them most.

Furthermore, the US military possesses world-class logistics capabilities that, when effectively utilized, have demonstrated their ability to save lives during disaster relief operations and to deliver essential supplies to conflict zones swiftly. However, vulnerabilities persist across various dimensions, and it is essential for the US to guard against the same 18th-century logistics challenges of obstruction, denial, and corruption—whether physical or cyber-related.

Ignoring these historical lessons has several consequences. Forces that are unprepared for deployment and operation in a logistically challenging environment, such as the Indo-Pacific, risk stranding personnel and resources—echoing the experiences of Braddock’s expedition or, more recently, Russia’s advance toward Kyiv. A contemporary parallel to Braddock’s disastrous expedition could arise from failing to grasp the operational landscape and logistical hurdles, combined with the misguided belief that outdated tactics and deployment strategies will be effective in the Indo-Pacific. Such a miscalculation could lead again to severely weakened or even destroyed forces. Additionally, there is the risk of overextending resources, personnel, and supplies, like Britain’s failed military campaigns against the American colonies. As with Britain in the 18th century, overextension could result in a substantial loss of public support for a prolonged conflict while trying to manage military efforts on multiple fronts.

Lessons from the American Revolution remain relevant today. Successful operations need strategic leaders who understand the importance of logistics planning and sustainment efforts, engage in continuous study of the operating environment, and foster mission-focused teams that are ready to adapt to changing requirements. By examining these lessons of Washington’s example, the US military should critically evaluate whether it is doing enough to prepare for a potential conflict with the PRC.

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. 

About the Author

Lt Col Summer C. Kolcun is an accomplished Aircraft Maintenance officer with extensive experience across a wide range of aircraft. She has served in key leadership roles at multiple organizational levels, from Squadron to Headquarters Air Force. A recent graduate of the National War College, she focused on Strategic Leadership Studies, including a course on the leadership of General George Washington. Her recent assignments include serving as Executive Officer to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Deputy Commander of the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group at Oklahoma City ALC, and Commander of the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where she was responsible for maintaining KC-46 and KC-135 aircraft for global air refueling missions.

Works Cited

[i] Bremer, M. K., & Grieco, K. A. (2023, November 8). The Four Tyrannies of Logistical Deterrence. Stimson Center. Retrieved from https://www.stimson.org/2023/the-four-tyrannies-of-logistical-deterrence/

[ii] Caruana, A. (2023, July 24). MAP Spotlight: Nine-Dash Line. ICAS. Retrieved from https://chinaus-icas.org/research/map-spotlight-nine-dash-line/

[iii] China Power Team. (2021, January 25). How Much Trade Transits the South China Sea? China Power. Retrieved from https://chinapower.csis.org/much-trade-transits-south-china-sea/

[iv] National Park Service. (2024, May 8). The Braddock Campaign. U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/articles/braddock-campaign.htm

[v] Lengel, E. G. (2005). General George Washington: A Military Life. Random House.52-53.

[vi] Spaulding, Oliver L. The Military Studies of George Washington. The American Historical Review 29, no. 4 (1924): 675–80. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.2307/1841231, 677.

[vii] Lengel, E. G. (2005). General George Washington: A Military Life. Random House.71.

[viii] Ibid, 282.

[ix] Lengel, E. G. (2005). General George Washington: A Military Life. Random House., 270.

[x] Morgan Jr., C. F. (n.d.). Nathanael Greene. In The Digital Encyclopedia of George Washington. Washington Library, Mount Vernon. Retrieved from https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/nathanael-greene

[xi] Lengel, E. G. (2005). General George Washington: A Military Life. Random House. 338.

[9] Ibid, 282.

[10] General George Washington: A Military Life, 270.

[11] George Washington’s Mount Vernon, “Nathanael Greene,” n.d., https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/nathanael-greene.

[12] General George Washington: A Military Life, 338.