Logistics Maneuver Made Easy: Scheme of Sustainment

By James H. Henderson

This book outlines some logistical maneuvers and their doctrinal relationship to the operation, and provides some new ideas. The lessons are formatted in a fashion that offers the reader the doctrinal concept that the operation or function is based on, and then presents new theories on how to better execute the logistical function or capability as it relates to tactical operations.

Even though combat maneuver may be more exciting to discuss, logistical maneuver is just as effective in its results to maintain combat power. And isnt that the real key to successfully sustaining any decisive action operationsto maintain combat power across the battlefield? And the only way to achieve this effect is to understand the different ways to execute logistical maneuver to support the mission.

As I have pointed out on more than one occasion, you cannot have one without the other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524691356

James H. Henderson

Lieutenant Colonel Henderson has served tours in Operations Desert Shield and Storm, as well as Operations Iraqi Freedom II (OIF II). He retired from active duty on 1 August 2005. He currently is a contractor training U.S. Army National Guard units on Sustainment, Distribution Management, and Logistical Support to Disaster Relief

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© 2017 LTC James H. Henderson Cotton, USA (Ret.). All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse  05/11/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9136-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9134-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-9135-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017907257

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Preface

We have all heard the term combat maneuver, and its effects on today modern battlefield, but there is another form of battlefield maneuver called logistical maneuver. It consists of the support elements, and their movement operations to sustain combatant forces throughout the battlefield. These types of maneuvers range from convoys, logistic release points (LRPs), echelon trains (combat/field), to the placement of a forward logistical element (FLE), and ultimately displacement of the brigade support area (BSA), just to name a few. Thou the different types of maneuver is basic to logistics operations, at all levels of command (Theater, Corps, or Division), their execution and decision points to use them can be somewhat diverse. The key for any logistician, at any level, is to understand the concept and the different ways to execute them to enhance sustainment operations forward.

This book outlines some of these logistical maneuvers and their doctrinal relationship to the operation, as well as provides some new ideas. The lessons are formatted in a fashion that offer the reader the doctrinal concept that the operation or function is based on, and then presents new theories on how to better execute the logistical function or capability as it relates to tactical operations.

Even thou combat maneuver may be more exciting to discuss, logistical maneuver is just as affective in its results to maintain combat power. And isn’t that the real key to successfully sustaining any decisive action operations is to maintain combat power across the battlefield? And the only way to achieve this effect is to understand the different ways to execute logistical maneuver to support the mission.

Bottom line: As I have pointed out on more than one occasion, you cannot have one without the other.

Contents

Preface

Introduction

Lesson 1: Sustaining Decisive Action

What is Decisive Action?

Sustaining Offensive Operations

MAN/MED

SUSTAIN

ARM

FUEL

FIX

MOVE

Transition from Offense to Defense

Sustaining Defensive Operations

MAN/MED

SUSTAIN

ARM

FUEL

FIX

MOVE

Transition from Defense to Offense

Findings/Results

Lesson 2: Modular Battlefield Structure

Modularity Support Concept

Positioning of Units on the Battlefield

Findings/Results

Lesson 3: Task Force Trains Concept

Echelon Support

Battalion and Squadron Echelons

Findings/Results

Lesson 4: Techniques of LOG Maneuver

Movement of BSB within the BCT Formation

Attachment of Critical Sustainment Assets

Support from BSA/CSSB Displace as an Entity

BSA Echelon/Displacement by Bounds

Logistic Release Point

Combat Logistics Patrols/Convoy

Distribution Methods of Resupply

Findings/Results

Lesson 5: Replenishment Operations

Types of Replenishment Operations

Infantry Battalion Combat Loads within Echelon Trains

Armor CAB Combat Loads within Echelon Trains

SBCT Infantry Battalion Combat Loads within Echelon Trains

Findings/Results

Lesson 6: Logistic Package Operations

Prepare Pre-Configured Loads

Findings/Results

Lesson 7: Health Service Support

Role 1

Role 2

Role 3

Role 4

Findings/Results

Lesson 8: Reporting Combat Power

Views on Sustainment Combat Power

Using the Combat Power Report

Findings/Results

Lesson 9: Unit Common Usage Land Transportation (CULT) Report

Views on Sustainment CULT Report

Views on BCT CULT Report

Using the CULT Report

Findings/Results

Lesson 10: Task Organization Relationships

Command Relationships

Support Relationships

Findings/Results

Lesson 11: Running Estimates

Updating the Logistics Running Estimates

Logistics Preparation of the Battlefield (LPB)

Relevant Information

Questions to Ask:

Sustainment Planning Working Group

Purpose:

Agenda:

Attendees:

Inputs:

Outputs:

Questions to Ask

Mission:

Execution (Scheme of Support):

Tasks to Subordinate Units:

Coordinating Instructions:

Sustainment

Maintenance:

Transportation:

Supply

Class I (Rations and Water):

Class II (Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment and Maps):

Class III (Bulk Fuel and Package Petroleum, Oils, and Lubricants):

Class IV (Construction and Fortification Material):

Class V (Ammunition):

Class VI (Personal Demand Items):

Class VII (Major End Items):

Class VIII (Medical Supply):

Class IX (Repair Parts):

Class X (Material for Nonmilitary or Civil Affairs Operations):

Field Services:

Personnel

Human Resources and Financial Management Support:

Legal Support:

Religious Support:

Health Services Support:

Findings/Results

Lesson 12: Concept of Support Diagram/Sketch

Concept of Operations

Sketch

Items/Definitions/Icons

Notes

Findings/Results

Lesson 13: War-Gaming a Sustainment Cycle

War-Gaming Methods

Validating Sustainment Cycles

Keys to a Successful War-Game

Example of a CSSB/TRANS BN War-Game

Findings/Results

Lesson 14: Battle Rhythm

Definition

Sustainment Battle Rhythm

Findings/Results

Summary

Bibliography

Glossary

About the Author

Figures

Figure 1: Example of a Class IV and V CCL Flat Rack

Figure 2: Example of Decision Point on a Synchronization Matrix

Figure 3: Example of a Weapon System CCL Flat Rack

Figure 4: Tactical Refueling Point

Figure 5: ROM layout utilizing M978 HEMTT Tankers

Figure 6: ROM Layout using a M969 Fuel Semitrailer utilizing multiple points

Figure 7: Example of FARP aerial employment and ground resupplying

Figure 8: Ammo Reconfiguration Team

Figure 9: Notional support operations in a developed theater of operations

Figure 10: Sustainment Brigade and Divisional Boundaries

Figure 11: Notional Theater of Operations – Sustainment Supporting Decisive Action

Figure 12: Example of BSA (Division Elements) Layout by Distance

Figure 13: Example of BSA (Division Elements) Layout with Equipment

Figure 14: Example of CSSB (Corps Elements) Layout by Distance

Figure 15: Example of CSSB (Corps Elements) Layout with Equipment

Figure 16: Notional Echelon Concept of Support

Figure 17: Notional Troop or Company Trains Equipment

Figure 18: Notional Combat Trains Equipment

Figure 19: Notional Field Trains Equipment

Figure 20: Notional Field Trains Equipment Continue

Figure 21: Example of a BSB moving within the BCT Formation

Figure 22: Example of Attachment of Critical Sustainment Assets

Figure 23: Example of BSA displacing as an entity to provide support

Figure 24: Example of BSA displacing by Bounds

Figure 25: Example of a BSB and CSSB conducting an LRP

Figure 26: Example of a CLP/Convoy Strip Map

Figure 27: Examples of Unit Distribution

Figure 28: Example of Supply Point Distribution

Figure 29: Example of Throughput Distribution

Figure 30: Example of Combat and Sustainment Replenishment Operations

Figure 31: Mission Staging Operation

Figure 32: Example of INF BN Combat Loads within Echelon Trains Beginning of Battle

Figure 33: Example of INF BN Combat Loads within Echelon Trains After 24-48 hours of Battle

Figure 34: Example of CAB Combat Loads within Echelon Trains Beginning of Battle

Figure 35: Example of CAB Combat Loads within Echelon Trains After 24-48 hours of Battle

Figure 36: Example of INF BN SBCT Combat Loads within Echelon Trains Beginning of Battle

Figure 37: Example of INF BN SBCT Combat Loads within Echelon Trains After 24-48 hours of Battle

Figure 38: CCL = Triple Standard Concertina, 100 Meters

Figure 39: CCL = 300m Triple Standard Concertina

Figure 40: CCL = 20 each 2- Man Fighting Positions

Figure 41: CCL = 250m Fix / Disrupt Minefield

Figure 42: CCL = 250m Block / Turn Minefield

Figure 43: CCL = Weapon System

Figure 44: Example of MEDEVAC Template

Figure 45: Example of Concept of Support Sketch

Figure 46: Example of Sustainment Modified Avenue in Depth

Figure 47: Example of Line and Local Haul Line of Effort

Figure 48: Example of a Modified Avenue in Depth Sustainment Cycle War Game

Figure 49: BCT LOG Battle Rhythm for one LOGPAC window in a 24-hour period

Figure 50: BCT LOG Battle Rhythm for two LOGPAC windows in a 24-hour period

Figure 51: SB LOG Battle Rhythm for two movement windows in a 24-hour period

Tables

 Table 1: Example of a Unit CULT Report to support CASEVAC requirements

 Table 2: Example of a Unit CULT Report to support MACP backhaul requirements

 Table 3: Divisional Support Area

 Table 4: Corps Support Area

 Table 5: Example of a notional BSB with Subordinate Units ground space by distance

 Table