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Combat service support
Logistics has both materiel production and acquisition aspects. There are differences in the use of term “logistics” by NATO nations and in the categories of support for military operations which are regarded as being components of logistics. The NATO definition of logistics refers to “the science of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of forces”. Supplies and procedures are thus an overall force multiplier which has to be taken into account in the design and production of systems and equipment.
Generally logistics is the branch of administration which embraces the management and provision of supply, evacuation and hospitalization, transportation and service. The term “materiel” refers to the entire category of equipment and supplies used by armed forces to fulfill their functions.
According to US Field Manuals administration is the management and cooperation of all military matters not included in tactics and strategy. Combat service support designates supply, maintenance and recovery responsibilities as the situation may require. Therefore an administrative order is normally not required. Pertinent information on current and projected locations of administrative and logistical installations and facilities will normally be shown graphically on the operational overlay. SOPs should be continuously updated to clarify procedures for routine – health services, personnel services. Personnel support includes postal operations, replacement management, legal service support, morale, welfare, and recreation.
Supplies are the commodities required to equip, maintain, and operate a military force. Supplies are requested and issued using three categories of supply: scheduled, demanded, and regulated.
The US logistics system operates under the direction of the Defense Logistics Agency which is a U.S. DOD agency. The DLA Director reports to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Logistics through the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics and Materiel Readiness).
Logistics functions
The U.S. Army recognizes six tactical logistics functions: to man, to arm, to fuel, to fix, to move, and to sustain soldiers and their systems. Supply systems enable the operating forces to sustain from deployment through combat operations and their redeployment. The potential theater of operation will be normally divided into the combat zone and the communications zone. The COMMZ is the rear part of theater operation designed for ground combat operations and immediate administration of forces. US Army logistics deals with such aspect of military operations as design and development, acquisition, storage, movements, distribution, maintenance, evacuation, and disposition of materiel.
Success on the battlefield is directly related to the ability of the unit to keep equipment and materiel in effective operating condition. Battle damage assessment and repair is an expeditious method of getting damaged equipment operationally capable. When equipment must be moved, it is moved only as far as necessary for major repair.
Division Support Command
Division Support Command contains administrative support units and elements to maintain the uninterrupted flow of materiel supply. Combat trains are div supply installations which are located in division rear area. The combat trains are those vehicles, equipment, and personnel required for the immediate logistics support of the battalion combat mission. The combat trains are located 5 to 8 kilometers behind the unit firing positions. Battalion field trains are normally located in the brigade trains to receive support from logistics support elements of the division.
Classes of Supply
In normal situation the distribution of all basic supplies are made in units’ trains. The primary means of receiving a logistics package is through a LRP. Usually, the LRP is located astride the main supply route, near the combat trains. Some supplies and services come to the unit as part of the LOGPAC. These are mail, pay, petroleum, oil and lubricants, and rations. Ammunition is not a part of the LOGPAC. Ammunition resupply is a continuous process to ensure a unit mission can be fulfilled. The consumer and supply quantity is used to estimate the different classes of supply to be necessary for one day of operations of a unit. The food allowance for one person for one day is called ration. The estimated quantity of ammunition, required per day to sustain operations is called unit of fire. According to the storage conditions and consumption rates all supplies are divided into ten classes.
Class I (Subsistence items). Normally, the unit basic load specifies that combat rations include MRE, which will be maintained by the battery. The storage has to feed the unit for 3 to 5 days.
Class II – include specialized tools, clothing, and barrier or fortification materials. It has expendable supplies, NBC suits, sandbags and concertina wire.
Class III (POL) – Petroleum, oils and lubricants are received as part of the LOGPAC.
Class IV – supplies not authorized under class II.
Class V – aviation ammunition, bombs, rockets. Normally, ammunition is constantly delivered to the unit by the organic ammunition resupply vehicles.
Class VI (Personal-demand items) – normally purchased through the exchange system such as candy and cigarettes.
Class VII – weapon system replacement operations items. These items will be issued as individual item of equipment. A WSRO item is to be issued complete with fire control and communications equipment.
Class VIII (Medical supplies). The medical units consolidate their resupply requirements and forward these to the battalion aid station.
Class IX (Repair parts). Repair parts for combat vehicles are essential for a sustainment. The prescribed load list identifies the quantity of combat repair parts authorized to be on hand or on order at all times.
Class X. Materials for civil economic development program.