Originally Posted by
A2QFI
A Certain well known WW2 RAF Squadron Commander declared his unit non-operational for lack of spares
There have been other, more recent, instances where the commander, contrary to political pressure, has held back until he had the supplies in place rather than throwing his troops in piecemeal.
Montgomery before Alamein was one and I think Schwarzkopf also delayed until all his pieces were in place.
Now, however, the Forces are literally thrown in willy nilly. I grant you we did not have the luxury of delay in Libya but that is why we need sufficient suitably equipped and ready forces in peacetime.