Logistics: Fuel Flood

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April 4,2008: The U.S. military consumes about 50 million gallons of fuel (gasoline, diesel, aviation) per month in Iraq. During World War II, fuel consumption averaged out to about 1.66 gallons per day per soldier, sailor or whatever. In Iraq, sixteen times as much fuel per man is needed (over 27 gallons per day). The main reason for that increase is the greater use of aircraft, including helicopters, and electricity generators. Armored vehicles are also more than twice the weight of their World War II counterparts, and trucks are larger as well. The trucks also carry armor, which increases fuel consumption. The fuel is bought on the world market, and it currently costs about $3.30 a gallon.

 

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