Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron CSC 1992 SUBJECT AREA Aviation EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Title: Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron Author: Major Charles T. Hayes, United States Marine Corps Thesis: The Marine Corps has considered the science of logistics and developed the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) to enhance the aviation unit's transition from a garrison configuration to the composite Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Background: In the last three decades, aviation logistics has experienced revolutionary changes in an effort to maximize aviation logistical support of Marine aviation. These changes were a result of Marine aviation's effort to adapt to the mission requirements of the Marine Corps' expeditionary combat organization--the MAGTF. Aviation logisticians have been challenged in the integration of logistical support for tactical air operations of the MAGTF. The composition and size of the MAGTF varies, thus requiring the aviation logisticians and operational commanders to adapt to several mission requirements of the air-ground team. The implementation of the Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron (H&MS) failed to provide enhanced logistical support to the Marine Corps combat organization. A total logistical support concept was necessary to effectively support a composite Aviation Combat Element (ACE). The implementation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) provided a total support concept. This squadron is task-organized and can adapt to the war-fighting configuration of the ACE. The Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program (MALSP) further enhanced the MALS capability in providing aviation logistical support to any mix of aircraft in garrison or in war-fighting. Conclusion: The MALS organization offers aviation units flexibility, mobility, and sustainment in support of the combat ground forces. This organization also provides a total support concept which effectively employs aviation logistical support to meet the Marine Corps' combat role on today's battlefield and in future conflicts. Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron Thesis Statement: The Marine Corps has considered the science of logistics and developed the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) to enhance the aviation unit's transition from a garrison configuration to the composite Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of a Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). I. Aviation Logistics Adapts to Meet Marine Corps' Requirements. A. Marine Aviation Adapts to Changing Threats. B. Marine Corps' Combat Role. C. Marine Corps' Combat Organization. D. Support of the MAGTF Elements. II. Marine Aviation Logistical Support Background. A. Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron (H&MS) Development. B. H&MS Operational Command Relationship. C. H&MS Functional Requirements. III. Aviation Logistical Support Reorganization. A. MALS Implementation. B. MALS Organizational Structure. C. MALS Aviation Supply Department. D. MALS Aviation Maintenance Department. E. MALS Avionics Department. F. MALS Ordnance Department. G. MALS Operations Department. IV. Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program (MALSP). A. MALS Task Organization. B. Fly-in Support Package (FISP). C. Contingency Support Package (CSP). D. Common Contingency Support Package (CCSP). E. Peculiar Contingency Support Package (PCSP). F. Follow-on Support Package (FOSP). G. Training Squadron Allowance (TSA). F. Training Exercise Support Package (TESP). MARINE AVIATION LOGISTICS SQUADRON The fundamentals of logistics have been misunderstood and incorrectly applied for years. Military analysts have devoted their energy to the study of strategy and tactics with little emphasis on logistics. Operational commanders have had little exposure to logistics, but all of them have suffered the negative effects of this complex field when not properly applied. In essence, logistics has been neglected and misconstrued throughout history to modern day warfare. Today's military strategist, prior to developing the art of war, must consider the science of logistics. The history of Marine aviation has shown that the Marine Corps has adapted to modern day warfare and changing threats through its aviation strategy, advanced air technology, and improved aviation doctrine. Support of Marine aviation in this changing environment, however, has been a challenge to both the aviation logistician and the operational commander in their efforts to integrate logistics which support the tactical air operations of the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Has Marine aviation logistics adapted the science of logistics to meet these changing requirements? The Marine Corps has considered the science of logistics and developed the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) to enhance the aviation unit's transition from a garrison configuration to the composite Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the MAGTF. An analysis of the Marine Corps' combat role reflects the need to adapt aviation logistical requirements of the ACE to meet the changing threat. The Marine Corps' combat organization is a "force in readiness" and Marine aviation is an integral part of this force. The air-ground team is capable of rapid deployment and amphibious assault that provides projection of military forces. Today's military doctrine is focused on rapid deployment and forward projection and the Marine Corps' MAGTF concept optimizes this doctrine. Marine aviation logistics is an integral element within the ACE and provides logistical sustainment to maintain aircraft readiness, enabling the aviation component to perform its role effectively within the MAGTF. The complexity of the Marine Corps' combat organization must be understood to comprehend the role of the ACE and the functions necessary to support the aviation component. The Marine Corps is an expeditionary combat organization which deploys task forces consisting of aviation, ground, and logistic elements. These elements may be integrated from both active duty and reserve forces. Task forces are formed from the Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) consisting of the Wings, Divisions, and Force Service Support Groups.1 Once integrated, this task force is known as a MAGTF and is a balanced air-ground, combined arms force organized for combat. This force is self-sufficient, flexible, mobile, and a responsive organization capable of projecting military power and deterrence abroad. The composition and size of a MAGTF may vary, but the organizational structure will always be composed of four elements. These elements consist of the Command Element (CE), the Ground Combat Element (GCE), the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), and the Combat Service Support Element (CSSE). The composition and size of the MAGTF is structured to achieve the missions required to meet the existing world threats. A MAGTF may be employed in three sizes: a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), a Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), and a Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF).2 The composition of the ACE is task-organized to conduct tactical air operations to support each of these MAGTF elements. Marine aviation has continued to change and adapt to the mission requirements of the Marine Corps' air-ground team. These changes achieve the necessary air support required to maximize the combat effectiveness of the ground forces. The Marine Corps, during the early 1960's, adopted the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) and organized its aviation supporting units into the Headquarters and Maintenance Squadrons (H&MS). This structure was implemented in an effort to improve aviation logistical support, thereby enhancing aviation response to the ground forces. This organization was developed to enhance aviation supportability by providing intermediate ("I") level maintenance for all aircraft, and aircraft support equipment attached to a specific Marine Aircraft Group (MAG). Some MAG's were configured to a specific type/model/series (T/M/S) of aircraft as a result of the introduction of new weapon systems to the Marine Corps. The H&MS organizational structure reflected the manning level required to provide "I" level support from both the Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) and Group Supply Department to a specific and predetermined quantity of T/M/S aircraft assigned to a MAG while in garrison.3 The unique operational command relationship under the H&MS concept later proved unable to meet the needs of the Marine Corps' changing combat roles. The H&MS structure did not provide a total logistical support concept. This minimized the effectiveness of the supportability which was to be achieved through the reorganization. The operational structure of the H&MS was not standardized throughout the Marine Corps. Some H&MS were operational squadrons with assigned aircraft, while other H&MS had no aircraft assigned and provided only IMA support to the air groups. The H&MS functioned as an administrative department to both the Group Supply Department and Group Headquarters in addition to providing functional requirements as the maintenance activity. The H&MS IMA Maintenance Officer worked directly for the H&MS Commanding Officer but he also served as a special staff officer to the Group Commanding Officer, as did the Avionics Officer and Ordnance Officer. The Group Supply Officer, although administratively assigned to the H&MS, operationally reported directly to the MAG Commanding Officer.4 The H&MS organization did not provide a focal point for all logistical matters, but rather piece-mealed logistical information to the MAG Commanding Officer relative to maintenance or supply issues. The operational and command structure of the H&MS was not tasked-organized for the total logistical support concept. The Marine Corps, in October 1988, again reorganized Marine aviation logistical support to optimize the total aviation support concept.5 This total support concept brings together all aviation logistical functions under one command, the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS). The MALS Commanding Officer and Executive Officer are the senior aviation logisticians in the MAG under this new concept. The MALS Commanding Officer is the MAG Commander's single point of contact for all aviation logistical matters. The Aviation Supply, Maintenance, Ordnance, and Avionics Officers are key staff members to the MALS Commander and provide the technical expertise on their related fields.6 The MALS organization structure enables the squadron commander to effectively control and manage all aviation logistics functions within the Marine Aircraft Group and provide the MAG Commander a total support package. Colonel J.R. Carswell, USMC, explains: The term "Aviation Logistics" now formally encompasses aviation support consisting of personnel, supply, maintenance, avionics, facilities and tools/equipment. This places the management and operation of aviation logistics resourcing/planning and execution under one command: Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron.7 The MALS is a command entity emulating the organizational structure of other Marine squadrons. This squadron is composed of the Commanding Officer, Executive Officer, an Administrative Department (S-1), an Operations Department (S-3), a Logistics Department (S-4), an Aviation Supply Department (ASD), and an Aviation Maintenance Department (AMD).8 The Aviation Supply and Maintenance Departments provide the majority of the work force and primary functional requirements of the squadron. This command structure fosters closer communication between the Maintenance and Supply Departments thus providing superb logistical support to the squadrons. Appendix A depicts the current command structure and shows the close interrelationship between the departments that enables the squadron to provide a total logistical support concept.9 The MALS Aviation Supply Department, formerly defined as the Group Aviation Supply Support Center (GASSC), is now co-equal with the Intermediate Maintenance Activity. The primary functional requirements of the ASD under the MALS concept have basically remained the same, with the exception that ASD no longer provides support for Marine Corps property. The ASD continues to have the responsibility of providing all aviation supply support within the MAG. These requirements include financial and inventory management of all aviation, aviation-ground related equipment and funds (Navy dollars). This department is also responsible for the requisition processing and management of aviation, aviation-ground related end-items, and stock replenishment. The Automated Data Processing (ADP) system is under the operational control of ASD and provides the Shipboard Uniform Automated Data Processing System (SUADPS). The Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS), however, is jointly managed by the Supply and Maintenance Departments with ASD retaining the responsibility of hardware and software configuration. The task organization and functional responsibilities within the Aviation Maintenance Department optimizes the total logistical concept. The MALS Maintenance Officer is the senior maintenance technical advisor to the MALS Commander. All related maintenance functions within the squadron are managed and coordinated through him. The Avionics Officer and Ordnance Officer are the senior technical advisors within their field; however, under the MALS concept they are division officers and report directly to the MALS Aviation Maintenance Officer. The IMA continues to perform the functional requirements as it did under the H&MS structure--to include (but not limited to) component scheduling, repair and condemnation, X-Ray, quality assurance, engine repair as authorized, maintenance 3M analysis, coordination of drive-in/field modifications, and publishing the monthly maintenance plan.10 The Avionics Officer in the MALS is responsible for the performance and administration of the avionics effort, as a whole, within the squadron. He is the senior Avionics Officer and he coordinates with senior/subordinate commands and other departments/divisions within the MAG on all related avionics matters. This officer is responsible for the management of readiness, effectiveness, training, safety, support equipment calibration, mobile facilities, calibrations requirements, and planned projects that effect the Avionics Division. 11 The MALS Ordnance Officer provides all requirements pertaining to the operation and distribution of all Class V (A) (aviation ordnance) within the MAG. He is the senior Ordnance Officer and provides the technical expertise on aviation ordnance matters external/internal to the command. His responsibilities include management of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Program, readiness, effectiveness, training, armament, and munitions matters that are relative to aviation ordnance. 12 A significant restructure of the H&MS to MALS organization is the Operations Department (S-3) within the squadron. A key billet within all Marine aircraft squadrons, this billet was designed in MALS to provide logistical synchronization to the multi-faceted logistical demands and requirements placed on the squadron. The Operations Department contains billets for both an Aviation Supply and Maintenance Officer with the background and technical expertise to provide centralized logistical planning. Employment of Marine aviation weapon systems are now provided a with total logistical support package to include: supply, maintenance, personnel, facilities, and tools/equipment. The MALS Operations Department provides the planning and coordination with the respective functional departments within the MALS and is capable of executing logistical requirements in support of the squadrons.13 A primary function of the Operations Department is logistical planning. The department is also responsible for the overall technical training and development of personnel within the squadron. Although this is not directly related to the logistical planning, lack of personnel qualification/certification would adversely effect the MALS' capability to provide qualified "core augments" in support of a squadron deployment. 14 Deploying MAG's are task-organized from one or more Fixed Wing (FW)/Rotor Wing (RW) elements to form a composite ACE in support of the MAGTF. MAG's, while operating in garrison, do not employ weapon systems in the same manner as required for a contingency. Garrison MAG's in most cases operate single T/M/S aircraft which is ineffective in providing tactical air operations in support of the MAGTF. Squadrons are therefore transitioned to the Host MAG's to be organized into a war-fighting configuration. The complexity of these aircraft transfers has in the past become overwhelming to the aviation logistician supporting these aircraft. The transfer of these aircraft, however, is quite necessary to enable the aviation component to support the expeditionary combat organization of the MAGTF. How then does this restructurinng of aviation logistics improve Marine aviation employment of aircraft and the integration of the ACE into the MAGTF? A primary reason for this logistical enhancement under the MALS concept is the implementation of the Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program (MALSP). The program integrates several other concepts to enable the aviation logistician to rapidly task-organize logistic elements for employment in support of the MAGTF ACE. The MALSP composition includes the Maritime Pre-Positioning Ships (T-AVB) program, Contingency Support Package (CSP) program, Fly-in Support Package (FISP) program, and the stand up of the MALS squadron. 15 The MALS command structure is the nucleus of the total logistical support concept. The aviation logisticians under the MALS organization and MALSP implementation are now extremely effective in providing enhanced aviation logistical support to the ACE, thus optimizing the overall effectiveness of the MAGTF. The MALS must be task-organized to enable the logistical element of the aviation component to effectively support any mix of Marine aircraft in combat. MALS within designated MAG's have been predetermined to function as a FW Host MALS and a RW Host MALS of the ACE under the MALSP concept. These designated MALS will provide a common FW or RW nucleus or "core" to commence a logistical build-up to support a war-fighting configured ACE. This core consists of a CSP and is best described as a "MALSP building-block." The CSP contains personnel, supply, maintenance, mobile facilities, and support equipment required to support the ACE in combat. MAG's will provide a predetermined T/M/S aircraft to the FW/RW Host MAG to fully configure the composite ACE. Those MALS from the MAG's providing aircraft to the ACE will provide a peculiar CSP to the Host MALS. At this point both the FW/RW Host MALS will be task-organized to support the composite ACE. Appendix B depicts a Host MALS task-organized in support of a composite ACE.16 The MALSP concept has provided a method for the MALS to provide optimum aviation logistical support while operating in garrison and the ability to task-organize and support a war-fighting composite ACE. Headquarters Marine Corps and the Aviation Supply Office have developed several support packages which provide MALS the flexibility of supporting a wide spectrum of logistic scenarios. These allowance packages enhance logistical employment for Marine aviation units to deploy as an expeditionary combat organization. The Fly-in Support Package (FISP) is an allowance package designed to exploit the ACE capability for rapid deployment. The composition of the FISP enables a predetermined number of aircraft to rapidly deploy into the Area of Responsibility (AOR). The FISP is comprised of organic ("O") level repairable components and consumable piece-parts which are capable of sustaining deployed aircraft for about 10-30 days at combat utilization rates. The employment of the FISP assumes there will be no intermediate level maintenance capability within the AOR until this support is phased-in by the arrival of the T-AVB or follow-on MALS. Spares contained in the FISP have met stringent criteria prior to establishment. Items which have been designated are high usage and mission essential. The FISP is flown in with the Fly-in-Echelon (FIE) aircraft and is combined with the "O" level aviation support equipment off-loaded from the Maritime Preposition Ship (MPS).17 The Contingency Support Package (CSP) is the nucleus from which the MALS derives its logistical support capabilities. The CSP's enable the MALS to provide a full range of total support for the ACE. This support contains aviation spares, personnel, support equipment, and mobile facilities. These CSP's provide intermediate level logistical support for the full mix of T/M/S weapon systems assigned to the ACE and are capable of providing for a 90-day endurance period (flying at a combat utilization rate). There are several variations of the CSP to complement the wide range of logistical scenarios. 18 The first of these variations is the Common Contingency Support Package (CCSP). The CCSP is designed to provide logistical support for common elements that the FW and RW Host MALS would provide to all FW/RW aircraft while attached to the ACE. The CCSP establishes the logistical base-line provided by the Host MALS for the FW/RW transfer of other aircraft to the ACE.19 The Peculiar Contingency Support Package (PCSP) is another allowance package provided by the MALS. The composition of this CSP provides only those peculiar elements necessary to support a specific number of T/M/S aircraft that are to be transferred. The Host MALS would receive this PCSP and assume logistical management of this equipment being transferred. Additionally, the Host MALS would assume full inventory and financial accountability of the PCSP.20 Several benefits are derived from this concept of logistical support. The first is the significant reduction in the "lift footprint" required to support a composite ACE when the Host MALS is tasked to provide all common support. The second is the spares acquisition reduction associated with the CSP concept and ability to transfer these assets, thus eliminating the outfitting requirement for several supporting sites. Third is the building-block method of logistical support which optimizes the flexibility of the MALS to adapt to any size the MAGTF wishes to employ. Appendix C graphically displays the CSP deployment/employment process.21 The design of these CSP's supports the MAGTF aviation combat capability but it does not provide the ACE with a full complement of aviation logistical support for sustaining operations in the AOR. The Follow-on Support Package (FOSP) provides the FW/RW Host MALS full intermediate level maintenance and would provide the ACE indefinite spares sustainment. The FOSP for each MALS varies, but contains the capability for first-degree engine repair and those repairable components and consumable piece-parts to fully outfit the remainder of the CSP. The FOSP would be transferred into theater upon request and due to its size would be phased-in with the Assault Follow-on Echelon (AFOE) shipping.22 The FISP, PCSP, CCSP and the FOSP provide the commander the flexibility for rapid deployment and sustained operations in support of the MAGTF. These support packages however, are time-phased into the AOR, arriving with the FIE aboard the Aviation Logistics Ship (T-AVB), strategic airlift and with the AFOE follow-up shipping. Appendix D shows the time-phasing sequence for the movement of these support packages into the theater.23 Marine aviation, however, still operates in garrison and requires logistical support for Marine Fleet Replacement Squadrons. The CSP provides support for the tactical air operations of the MAGTF war-fighting capabilities and are not designed for garrison operations. A Training Squadron Allowance (TSA) has been developed to meet the requirement for garrison operations. The TSA is designed for a specific number and T/M/S aircraft. This allowance is calculated using the peacetime flying hour rate at a 30-day endurance period. The Training Exercise Support Package (TESP) complements the TSA providing MALS the capability to support simultaneous training deployments.24 In the final analysis, the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron has proven to be an organization that can effectively employ aviation logistics in support of the Marine Corps' expeditionary combat force--MAGTF. The MALS is task-organized providing enhanced aviation logistics tailored to support the ACE's tactical situation. Aviation logistics is an integral element of the ACE that provides expeditionary and sustained support to this war-fighting configuration. The MALS provides a total support concept for both garrison and deploying units. Operational commanders no longer perceive aviation support as a logistical web, grasping to understand and manage a complex subject. The fundamentals of aviation logistics can now be applied by the senior aviation logistician within the command in addition to responding to the operational commander's inquires on all aviation logistical matters. Employment of Marine combat forces will not be compromised by aviation logistics. The Marine Corps has studied the negative effects of this complex field and has applied the science of logistics to establish aviation support as a unified whole. Click here to view images ENDNOTES 1. MCCDC, USMC, Fleet Marine Force Organization 1990, FMFRP 1-11 (Quantico, 1990), p.2-1. 2. Ibid., p. 2-3. 3. Aviation Logistics Department, "Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS)," 25 Sep. 1987, ASL-31/T9MALSblm, (USMC, Headquarters, Washington D.C.). 4. Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 290006Z SEP 88. 5. Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 270002Z JUL 88. 6. Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 290006Z SEP 88. 7. Ibid. 8. USMC, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Logistics Support, Draft Inst., (Washington D.C., 6 Jun. 1991), p.6. 9. Ibid., Fig. 2-1. 10. Department of the Navy, The Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), OPNAVINST 4790.2E (Washington D.C., 1989), pp.6-1 to 6-2. 11. Ibid., p.6-3. 12. Ibid. 13. Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 290006Z SEP 88. 14. Ibid. 15. Carswell, John R., Col., USMC, "The Marine Aviation Logistics Program," The Log, Oct. 1991, p.5. 16. USMC, Draft Inst., 6 Jun. 1991, Fig. 3-1. 17. Carswell, p.5. 18. Torsak, John, LtCol., USMC and Philip F. Shutler, Maj., USMC, "Expeditionary Marine Aviation," Amphibious Warfare Review, Summer 1990, p.66. 19. USMC, Draft Inst., 6 Jun. 1991, p.15. 20. Ibid., p.16. 21. Torsak, p.6, Fig. 1. 22. Ibid., p.6. 23. USMC, Draft Inst., 6 Jun. 1991, Fig. 3-4. 24. USMC, "Marine Aviation Logistic Support Concept," Contingency Support Package-AVCAL Allowance Development Handbook, (Washington D.C., 1989), p.35. BIBLIOGRAPHY Aviation Logistic Department, "Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS)," 25 Sep. 1987, ALS-31/T9MALSblm, (USMC, Headquarters, Washington D.C.). Carswell, John R., Col., USMC, "The Marine Aviation Logistics Program," The Log, Oct. 1991. Department of the Navy, The Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP), OPNAVINST 4790.2E (Washington D.C. 1989). MCCDC, USMC, Fleet Marine Force Organization 1990, FMFRP 1-11 (Quantico, 1990). Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 270002Z JUL 88. Naval Message, CMC Washington D.C., 290006Z SEP 88. Torsak, John, LtCol., USMC, and Philip F. Shutler, Maj., USMC, "Expeditionary Marine Aviation," Amphibious Warfare Review), Summer 1990. USMC, Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Logistics Support, Draft Inst., (Washington D.C., 6 Jun. 1991). USMC, "Marine Aviation Logistic Support Concept," Contingency Support Package-AVCAL Allowance Development Handbook, (Washington D.C., 1989).
