CHAPTER 7
LOGISTICS
This chapter discusses LOGPAC support for the BSFV platoon. The BSFV platoon receives logistics from the supported unit or the battery headquarters. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant should ensure detailed and timely coordination is conducted to logistically support the tactical situation. Logistics, or lack of it, may determine the success or failure of combat operations. The BSFV platoon should be armed, fueled, and repaired as far forward as the tactical situation permits. Forward support is accomplished through logistics packages (LOGPACs).
LOGISTICS FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW
Logistics operations in combat and combat support battalions are normally organized into support trains. Support elements from the companies and the battalion headquarters displace from the combat elements into either field trains or combat trains. The support and supplies available vary greatly between the combat trains and the field trains.
Battalion combat trains carry the minimum amounts of supplies and equipment needed to sustain the force for short periods of time. Combat trains are positioned where they can quickly provide essential support to fighting forces, usually between the company team area and the brigade support area (BSA). Combat trains can provide battlefield recovery, maintenance, medical services, and some Class III and V support.
Field trains consist of the remainder of the battalion combat service support (CSS) element. Field trains for all task forces and battalions operating at the brigade area are located in the forward part of the BSA. The BSA will also consist of the brigade trains, forward area support teams, and other combat support and combat units.
LOGPAC OPERATIONS BY THE SUPPORTED FORCE
LOGPACs are organized and put together at the field trains. They usually include Class I, III, V, medical, and BSFV peculiar items. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant are responsible for planning and executing an effective CSS system for the platoon. CSS functions such as supply, maintenance, field services, personnel services, and health services must also be considered during the planning phase.
The BSFV platoon leader conducts logistics planning. The BSFV platoon logistics plan is implemented by the platoon sergeant. The platoon sergeant consolidates information provided by the squad leaders and requests support from the TF or battery. Routine and recurring CSS operations should be addressed in unit SOPs.
SUPPORTED FORCE
LOGPAC operations at the supported force level are formed by companies and moved forward under the control of the support platoon leader who normally organizes a convoy for movement of all LOGPACs under his control. In emergencies, he dispatches unit LOGPACs individually. The convoy may contain additional vehicles, such as a maintenance vehicle with Class IX to move to the unit maintenance collection point (UMCP), or additional ammunition and fuel for the combat trains. The LOGPACs move along the main supply route (MSR) to a logistics release point (LRP), where the company first sergeant or a unit guide takes control of the company LOGPAC. After the company has been resupplied, the company first sergeant informs his supply sergeant of requirements for the next LOGPAC. The supply sergeant collects outgoing mail and equipment for movement to the rear. The LOGPAC then returns to the LRP where it the joins the rest of the supported force's LOGPACs for return to the field trains. See the following illustration.
CONTENTS
LOGPAC Operations by the Supported Force
LOGPAC Operations by Battery Headquarters
BSFV PLATOON
Any time the BSFV platoon has a support relationship of direct support, the basic principles of LOGPAC operations by the supported unit will apply. If the platoon is reinforcing another ADA platoon, it should follow the procedure established for the ADA platoon that is being reinforced. The BSFV platoon must be integrated in the planning and preparation of the supported force's LOGPAC operations.
The platoon should coordinate with the supported force on a constant basis to ensure that the BSFV platoon's LOGPAC consists of the items required and is formed at the field trains and moved forward to the LRP. The BSFV platoon sergeant must ensure that supplies, equipment, and personnel replacements which are peculiar to the ADA mission are coordinated with the support platoon leader or supported unit S4 or S1. When the LOGPAC reaches the LRP, the BSFV platoon sergeant or a designated representative will take control of the platoon's LOGPAC.
Maintenance and evacuation of damaged vehicles will be coordinated with the supported force. The location of UMCPs should be available and briefed to platoon personnel. When the supported force has not responded to a request for support in sufficient time, the platoon leader should notify the supported force commander and his battery commander.
Evacuation of wounded personnel has to be coordinated with the supported force. This is time-sensitive and generally beyond the capability of the BSFV platoon. This requires the BSFV platoon to be knowledgeable of the supported force's SOP on evacuation procedures. The platoon must be informed of locations for casualty collection points. When the tactical situation allows, organic platoon vehicles may be used to evacuate the wounded.
LOGPAC OPERATIONS BY BATTERY HEADQUARTERS
LOGPAC operations by the battery headquarters follow the same procedures as supported force LOGPAC operations with the exception of having different key players. The major difference is that the platoon will normally be operating in terrain which is "owned" by a larger fighting force. The support relationship will likely be general support or general support-reinforcing. In this situation, support may be provided by the battery.
The battery support vehicles are maintained at the battery trains where they are loaded with the necessary supplies. The battery first sergeant with the help of the battery supply sergeant forms the LOGPACs for each BSFV platoon based upon prior coordination. The first sergeant moves the LOGPACs forward along the established MSR to a designated LRP. When MSRs and LRPs are located within the area of operations of another unit, the platoon leader or platoon sergeant may be required to coordinate for the use of MSRs or LRPs with the unit occupying the area. When the LOGPACs arrive at the LRP the BSFV platoon sergeant or a designated representative will take control of the platoon's LOGPAC. Once the platoon has been resupplied, the vehicle returns to the LRP and the platoon sergeant gives his requests to the buttery first sergeant for the next LOGPAC.
LRP locations are determined either by the first sergeant or a designated representative (such as the battery XO). LRPs are established based on the tactical situation. It is often useful or necessary to coordinate for the use of MSRs or LRPs which have already been established. The LRP should be close to where the platoons are employed and easy to locate. The MSR, LRP UMCP and trains locations should be included on the operations overlay. The LOGPAC convoy arrival time at the LRP and length of time it remains are normally established by the SOP.
The first sergeant or responsible battery representative remains at the LRP as long as the LOGPAC vehicles are in the platoon areas. He should ensure that the LOGPAC release and return takes place efficiently. To assist in the coordination for the next LOGPAC, the following must be considered:
- Changes in logistical requirements reflecting any last-minute changes in task organizations.
- Reports on personnel, logistics, and maintenance from the platoon sergeants.
- First-hand updates on the tactical situation and logistical status.
- Delivery, receipt, and distribution of mail.
The battery maintenance personnel monitor and ensure the BSFV platoons are being supported in LOGPAC operations. Contact teams will be integrated into the LOGPAC convoys when required by the platoons. The contact teams will be moved from LRPs by the platoon sergeants. If it is necessary to evacuate a vehicle, the recovery asset will move the vehicle to the battery UMCP.
Evacuation of wounded personnel has to be coordinated and planned in detail. Evacuation of wounded personnel should be by the most expeditious means possible. The means to evacuate personnel will be based on unit SOP and the current tactical situation.
PLATOON RESUPPLY TECHNIQUES
Routine resupply takes place at least daily. Periods of limited visibility are best for resupply. If possible, resupply of Class III takes place at every opportunity. The LOGPAC commonly used technique is a simple and efficient way to conduct routine resupply operations. LOGPACs should contain all anticipated supplies required to sustain the platoon for a specific time, usually 24 hours or until the next scheduled LOGPAC operation.
The platoon leader determines the resupply technique to be used based on METT-T. The technique selected for ground resupply will generally be the service-station method, tailgate method, or a variation thereof. The platoon leader informs the platoon sergeant of the resupply technique to be used. The platoon sergeant briefs each squad on the resupply method and establishes the resupply point. The platoon sergeant notifies the platoon when the resupply point is prepared.
SERVICE-STATION METHOD
When the service-station method is the desired resupply technique, a resupply point centrally located to the platoon is established. If the platoon is split into sections, METT-T may dictate that each section is resupplied separately. The following procedures outline the service-station method:
- Vehicles enter the resupply point following a one-way traffic flow.
- Only those vehicles requiring immediate organizational or higher maintenance stop in maintenance holding areas before conducting resupply.
- If not already evacuated, WIA, KIA, and EPW are removed from squad vehicles once they stop at the refuel or rearm point.
- Vehicles will rearm and refuel, rotating to each point.
- Crews rotate individually to feed, pickup mail, pick up supplies, and refill or exchange water cans.
- Once all vehicles have completed resupply, they move to the holding area where the platoon leader or platoon sergeant will conduct a PCI.
- Based on the enemy situation, vehicles will disperse from their positions one vehicle at a time. They will be resupplied and returned one at a time until the platoon has been resupplied.
Note: Medical evacuation vehicles are positioned an equal distance between the refuel and rearm points. This decreases the number of stops that a vehicle has to make.
The following graphic illustrates the above procedures.
TAILGATE METHOD
When the tailgate method is used, BSFV squads remain in place or back out of their position a short distance so the resupply vehicle is not exposed. POL and ammunition trucks go to each vehicle position in turn. The following procedures outline the tailgate method:
- Crew members rotate individually through feeding areas and pick up supplies, water, and mail.
- KIA and personal effects are brought to the holding area by platoon personnel.
- Armored ambulances pick up critically wounded; other injured are carried or walk to the ambulances for first aid.
- EPW are centralized and guarded.
- Vehicles requiring maintenance are brought to the maintenance area.
- Inspections are completed by the platoon leader or platoon sergeant at each vehicle.
Note: The tailgate issue method is normally used only in an assembly area (AA). If it is employed in forward positions, resupply must be masked by terrain. This procedure takes much longer than the service-station method.
EMERGENCY RESUPPLY
Occasionally, usually as a result of combat, the battery may have such urgent need for resupply that it cannot wait for routine LOGPAC. Emergency resupply may involve Classes III, V and VIII. Because it often occurs while in contact with the enemy, special techniques must be considered. When the platoons are under fire, limited supplies can be brought forward to the closest concealed position where the tailgate method may be used. Individual fighting vehicles drop back to resupply at the direction of the platoon leader, then return to fight. For resupply during a lull in combat, the service-station method may be appropriate.
CROSS-LEVELING
Cross-leveling is not a technique of resupply but a way to make supplies last longer. It is the distribution of supplies evenly throughout the platoon. It is done automatically by squad leaders and platoon sergeants in the assembly areas and after every action. Cross-leveling usually takes place between squad and team members but is also used between squads and platoons. It is done for repair parts and all classes of supply. In some cases, supplies may be shifted in the platoon to increase combat potential. For example, if a squad is preparing for movement but is short on ammunition and water, they may acquire or draw these items from the other squads remaining in position. These squads would, in turn, be resupplied by the designated resupply system. Cross-leveling between platoons must be approved by the battery commander.
PRE-POSITIONING SUPPLIES
Pre-positioning supplies is required in most defensive operations. Normally, only Class V supply items are pre-positioned. The location and amount of pre-positioned ammunition must be carefully planned, and each vehicle commander must be informed. All leaders down to squad leader verify the locations of the sites during their reconnaissance and rehearsals. Pre-positioning considerations include the following:
- Pre-positioned ammunition is on pallets, preferably in covered, protected positions.
- Pre-positioning frees cargo vehicles to bring more ammunition forward.
- The possibility of capture or destruction of pre-positioned ammunition is a risk for the battery. The battery cannot guard pre-positioned sites with the manpower available.
- Pre-positioned ammunition must be far enough away from vehicles and individual fighting positions that its destruction will not cause friendly vehicle or personnel casualties.
- Pre-positioning fuel is difficult. It requires covered sites separated from ammunition as well as additional equipment, including fuel transfer pumps and drums, blivets, and 5-gallon cans in quantity.
The following describes the two main methods of prepositioning supplies:
Method 1. Class V supply is located in one place inside the assembly area or battle position (see the following illustration). Each vehicle pulls into the central area to upload ammunition and rations. Pre-positioned fuel tankers are set up at the rear of the position, and refueling is done using the service-station method.
Method 2. Class V supply is pre-positioned at each vehicle position, and Class III fuel tankers are pre-positioned in one location for the entire platoon (see the following illustration). In this method, Class V supplies are placed on the ground in the vicinity of each vehicle position and begin to rearm. The fourth vehicle stops at the Class III fuel tanker located to the rear of the position and refuels. When the refueling vehicle is full, it moves into its fighting position and begins to rearm while another vehicle moves to the refuel point.
PERSONNEL SERVICES
This consists of strength accounting, casualty reporting, replacement procedures, maintenance, personnel actions, and awards.
According to local SOP, a strength accounting report is sent to battery headquarters detailing platoon strength by officer, enlisted, and attached personnel. At higher echelons, these reports are used to determine which units receive priority when replacement troops arrive.
When a casualty occurs, DA Form 1156 is filled out for each casualty as soon as the tactical situation permits. This report is processed through ADMIN/LOG channels. This information is used to inform the soldier's next of kin and to provide a statistical base for analysis of friendly or enemy activity. The platoon leader should be prepared to write a letter for the commander's signature to be sent to the soldier's next of kin.
REPLACEMENT OPERATIONS
Integrating replacements into a platoon is important. A new soldier arriving on the battlefield may be scared and disoriented as well as unfamiliar with local SOPs and the theater of operations. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant should welcome him to the unit, interview him, and introduce him to his squad leader and team chief. The squad leader introduces him to the squad, briefs him on his duty position, and assigns him an experienced "buddy" to "look out" for him. This in-briefing should cover recent squad and platoon activities, current activities, and future activities. Furthermore, this in-briefing should reinforce the fact that he is part of a good unit with a proud heritage (esprit de corps). The soldier should be told about important SOPs and special information concerning the area of operations.
HEALTH SERVICES SUPPORT
At platoon level, health services support consists of three things: prevention, treatment, and evacuation of casualties. Emphasis is placed on prevention since soldiers may become combat ineffective due to non-battle injuries or disease as often as due to combat. These casualties may be eliminated by understanding and applying the principles of field hygiene and prevention of weather-related injuries. Leaders have the responsibility to monitor the overall condition of their soldiers (see FM 21-10).
The leader must be prepared to treat and evacuate casualties. The treatment of serious casualties consists primarily of stabilizing the soldier until he can be evacuated to the nearest medical aid station.
Casualties are treated and may be evacuated directly from the platoon by vehicle or helicopter. If evacuated by vehicle, they are taken to the supported unit casually collection point designated in the OPORD. If evacuated by helicopter, they are taken to the rear to receive medical assistance.
Unit SOPs and operation orders address casualty evacuation in detail. They cover the duties and responsibilities of key personnel, rank methods of evacuation, and establish procedures for retrieving and safeguarding the weapons, ammunition, and equipment of casualties.
In war, leaders must be prepared to treat and evacuate casualties. The combat lifesaver program enhances the platoon's ability to provide immediate medical attention to casualties until evacuated to the nearest casualty collection point. The unit must identify and train selected squad members as combat lifesavers. The goal is to have one combat lifesaver in each BSFV squad.
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