accurate estimates on time between overhauls DOS]. Fewer unneeded spare parts
sat idle on the shelves and more spare parts were available when they were needed.
The second thing we did was to tie our computer in with computers at supply
sources in the United States, allowing us to bypass depots. Parts needed to put a
piece of equipment back into operation would be earmarked and expedited for the
unit. This permitted a large number of parts to skip the depots, thus saving
administrative and storage time and effort. These things became possible as better
computers and especially better software was developed. Incidentally, when I was
DCSLOG I operated the largest computer complex then on the European continent.
Q ..
Do I take from. what you said that you were able to reduce the amounts of spare
equipment and spare parts in Europe?
A ..
Yes. Our greater reliance on computers allowed us to reduce the size of our
depots. But it was also a matter of necessity. Our supply installations like
Kaiserslautem and Rudesheim were stacked to overflowing and we simply had no
more place to put things. This caused us to put greater reliance on the shipment
of equipment and spare parts directly from the U.S. to the units. But it also pulled
down our stock levels in Europe. Whereas USAREUR's logistical concept had
previously called for 60- and 90-day stockpiles, we cut these down, in many
instances, to a 30-day stockpile. This meant that we would have to plan on more
rapid replenishment in the event of war. And it also meant that we stockpiled very
few materiels, such as those which had been stored in France, to rebuild Europe
in the aftermath of war.
Q ..
Was General O'Meara your boss during the entire time you were DCSLOG?
A ..
No. General O'Meara went into retirement and during the last months I was in
USAREUR I worked for General James Polk.
Deputy Commander in Chief, SACEUR
Q ..
After you left USAREUR you were assigned as deputy chief of staff to the United
States Command for Europe in Stuttgart. Can you tell me the circumstances under
which this took place?
As you know, the Supreme Commander in Europe [SACEUR] wore two hats. He
A
was commander of all NATO troops and also commanded the U.S. troops assigned
to NATO. But 95 percent of the work involved with this second job was assigned
to D/CINC [deputy commander in chief], General David Burchinal. This command
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