| CHAPTER 8 |
Fueling the Force |
Fuel can be a war stopper. A force can move and attack only as long as vehicles and weapon systems receive fuel, oils, and lubricants. Ultimate success may depend on having enough fuel to support the mobility requirements of air and ground weapon systems.
Bulk fuel accounts for a large percentage of all tonnage moved in a theater of operations. An armored division could consume an estimated 500,000 gallons of fuel per day, more than twice that consumed by Patton's entire army. A corps size force could require an estimated two million gallons of fuel per day.
CONTENTS |
CSG FUEL SUPPORT ORGANIZATION
A fuel support organization maybe either storage or distribution oriented. It depends on the length of operation and whether the theater is developed or undeveloped. Short operations are distribution oriented. The focus is on pushing fuel forward. Lengthy operations are storage oriented. Time exists to build up an extensive GS storage base. The support organization is tailored to the resources required. Developed theaters have a fuel storage base and an extensive road and rail distribution network. Undeveloped theaters require that additional fuel supply units and habitually supporting truck units deploy to offset the dearth of existing fuel storage and the lack of HN fuel transportation assets. The number and type of fuel support elements attached to a CSG vary depending on the --
- Forward or rear employment of the CSG.
- Type and size of the supported force and its mission requirements.
- Type of tactical operation (offensive, defensive, or retrograde).
- Command reserve policy.
- Existence of HN petroleum storage facilities.
- Distances between supply sources and destinations.
- Condition of roads.
As shown by Figure 8-1, the CSG fuel support organization consists of DS supply companies, petroleum supply companies, mobile petroleum laboratory teams, and medium truck companies (petroleum). CSGs and subordinate battalions provide C2 and technical and operational supervision over these attached elements.
SUPPLY COMPANY, DIRECT SUPPORT
The COSCOM assigns Quartermaster Supply Companies, DS (TOE 42447L000) to forward and rear CSGs. The group attaches the companies to subordinate CSBs for command and control.
Each company provides DS level bulk fuel and packaged product support to nondivision units. It can also provide mobile filling station support for units in the area. As required, it fuels convoys passing through its area of responsibility. It can also fuel assault vehicles at assembly areas.
TOE 42447L000 lists mission capabilities. FM 10-69 describes Class III supply point operations. The unit's MTP identifies critical missions and tasks performed by the company.
PETROLEUM SUPPLY COMPANY
The COSCOM assigns a Petroleum Supply Company (TOE 10427L000) or platoon to forward and rear CSGs. The group attaches the company or platoon to a CSB or a petroleum supply battalion. The company can operate Class III supply points at two locations. Depending on its employment, the company may provide bulk GS level fuel to --
- Quartermaster supply companies, DS.
- MSB S&S companies or FSB supply companies.
- Aviation brigades.
- Separate brigade support battalions.
- ACR support squadrons.
The petroleum supply company also provides direct support to customers that require large quantities of fuel. Examples include medical evacuation units and aviation units.
TOE 10427L000 lists specific mission capabilities. FM 10-427 describes the daily operations of petroleum supply companies. The unit's MTP identifies critical mission tasks.
MOBILE PETROLEUM LABORATORY TEAM
Depending on the theater, the COSCOM attaches this team to the rear CSG's petroleum supply battalion. The team tests petroleum samples. It also provides technical assistance on sampling, identification, and quality evaluation of petroleum products and containers.
TOE 1056OLC lists mission capabilities. FM 10-72 describes the deployment and operation of mobile laboratories. FM 10-70 covers laboratory testing, sampling, and inspection. Military Handbook 200G provides a detailed breakdown of the types of tests required for each type of product.
MEDIUM TRUCK COMPANY (PETROLEUM)
The COSCOM assigns Transportation Medium Truck Companies (Petroleum) (TOE 55727L200) to forward and rear CSGs. Depending upon distribution requirements, the CSG attaches these companies to CSBs or a petroleum supply battalion.
The medium truck company (petroleum) transports bulk fuel in organic 5,000-gallon tank semitrailers. Tankers deliver fuel from GS petroleum supply company storage to DS supply company storage, They also throughput bulk fuel to selected customers in the corps area, DSA, and (in emergency situations) BSA.
TOE 55727L200 lists mission capabilities. FM 55-30 describes daily operations. The unit's MTP identifies critical mission tasks.
CELLULAR LOGISTICS TEAM
Depending on the theater, a US petroleum supply CLT (TOE 10560LS) could provide liaison and the interface between a CSG and a WHNS petroleum supply battalion. The CLT collocates with the HN battalion and acts as a special staff element of the battalion. It coordinates work load, maintains visibility of bulk petroleum stocks, and provides status to the CSG's petroleum staff. The CMMC tasks the HN's petroleum supply companies through the CLT. Figure 8-2 shows this command and tasking relationship.
PETROLEUM PIPELINE AND TERMINAL
OPERATING COMPANY
Though pipelines may run through a CSG AO, petroleum pipeline and terminal operating companies are not normally attached to a CSG. They are EAC units assigned to the petroleum pipeline and terminal operating battalion employed in the COMMZ. However, to support a contingency, the TA or joint/combined commander could assign petroleum pipeline and terminal operating companies or battalions to the COSCOM.
FUEL SUPPORT OPERATIONS
To support the momentum of early air and ground operations, fuel support needs to be continuous from the outset of operations. Preplanned bulk fuel resupply occurs through D + 10.
The fuel supply system is essentially an automatic resupply operation. Units move fuel forward based on stockage policy and the storage capacity of receiving units. The petroleum distribution system synchronizes transportation transfer, rail, water and truck movement with bulk fuel storage and forward supply resources. Movement of bulk fuel is triggered by the requirement to replenish prescribed stocks as forces consume fuels.
BATTLEFIELD EMPLOYMENT
Figure 8-3 depicts a sample employment of CSG fuel supply elements. Actual employment depends on the theater, terrain, tactical requirements, and possible HNS.
In the brigade area, an FSB supply unit supports corps forces, such as corps FA, corps ADA, and corps engineer organizations, as well as division units from its forward Class III supply point. In the DSA, the MSB's S&S company may support corps FA headquarters units at the main Class III supply point. Based on prior coordination between the forward CSB LO at the FSB, CSG LO at DISCOM headquarters, and brigade S4 staff, the nondivision DS supply company may provide tankers, collapsible tanks, or drums to offset FSB and MSB supply to corps forces.
Forward CSGs employ a DS supply company in the division area to support nondivision units on an area support basis. This company operates refuel-on-the move sites to support forces moving through the forward CSB's area of responsibility. It provides personnel and equipment to distribute fuel from a forward logistics element or reinforce FSBs and MSBs providing support to corps forces in the BSA and DSA.
Forward CSGs also employ a DS supply company(s) behind the division boundary to provide support on an area basis to nondivision customers. Depending upon requirements, they could also employ a GS petroleum supply platoon or company and habitual supporting medium truck companies (petroleum) in the corps rear area. This reduces the length of the LOC and provides more responsive throughput to the MSB S&S company or FSB supply company.
The rear CSG employs a DS supply company in the corps rear area to support nondivision units on an area support basis. It may employ GS petroleum supply companies and habitually supporting medium truck companies (petroleum) to maintain the corps reserve from which to weight the corps battle.
BULK FUEL SUPPORT CYCLE
Bulk fuels are not formally requested. Petroleum supply companies push bulk fuel forward in response to forecasted requirements and status reports. Figure 8-4 depicts the bulk fuel requirements and distribution cycle.
Forecasted Requirements
Each day, unit supply sergeants and battalion S4s forecast requirements based on the actual type and quantity of equipment on hand. S4s coordinate with S2/S3s to forecast requirements based on the probable level of activity for the next 72-hour period. Initial forecasts can be based on consumption data for periods of similar operations.
Corps forces, such as corps FA organizations, corps ADA, and corps engineers, send their forecasted requirements through their brigade S4 chain to the DMMC. Their forecasts are consolidated with forecasted requirements from other division forces and sent to the CMMC. When COSCOM forces support a division, they send their forecasts directly to the CMMC.
Division, ACR, and separate brigade MMCs compare fuel forecasts and status reports and transmit bulk fuel requirements to the CMMC's petroleum and water division. The CMMC prepares a forecast of Army requirements. It combines that requirement with requirements to support other services and allies. The CMMC forwards the total requirement to the TAMMC in a fully developed theater or JPO in an undeveloped theater. The JPO prepares the petroleum slate.
Daily Status Reports
Nondivision Class III points submit a daily status report to the CMMC on quantities received, issued, and on hand. The CMMC consolidates status data and compares bulk requirements against quantities available for issue. It transmits requirement data to the TAMMC or JPO as appropriate.
Issue
The corps provides allocation instructions. The CMMC provides prioritized shipping instructions to the petroleum supply battalion or CSB. COSCOM petroleum support branch personnel modify issue schedules based on the tactical situation or changes in stock status. For example, the corps G3 may change priorities to shift support to a tactical combat force. The CSG support operations officer needs to coordinate with the CMMC, CMCC, and area MCT to divert or reroute fuel to alternate locations or to meet unexpected surge requirements.
Receipt
Corps Class III points receive bulk fuel from GS petroleum supply company Class III points at EAC. Based on the Class III distribution plan, bulk fuel is distributed from GS to GS or GS to DS Class III points.
FM 10-69 describes receipt operations at Class III supply points. FM 10-71 describes procedures for unloading tank trucks. FM 10-18 describes procedures for tank railcars. DA Form 3857 provides a useful procedural checklist for monitoring receipt operations. Class III point personnel post quantities received to the stockage record and update the daily status report.
Class III supply points consolidate stocks to provide for more efficient use of collapsible fabric tanks. If there is not enough storage space to accept deliveries, the CSG support operations officer secures additional storage capacity. Tankers or 500 gallon drums can provide additional storage. Groups use HN storage and distribution capability whenever possible. CSG HNS branch personnel coordinate the use of petroleum facilities made available by the HN with the CSG petroleum officer.
The backup of fuel tankers along supply routes increases the probability of becoming a target. Trailer transfers wherein truck tractors drop off a full semitrailer and pick up an empty one save time. Petroleum officers in the petroleum supply battalion and CSBs monitor delivery schedules to ensure that empty tankers are on hand when resupply tankers arrive.
Distribution
The GS petroleum supply company coordinates with its habitually supporting medium truck company (petroleum) to transport fuel from the Class III supply point to a DS supply company or other customers. As an exception, if the supported unit employs closer to a GS petroleum supply company, it obtains resupply from that company.
The medium truck company (petroleum) requests road access from the supporting MCT. The MCT coordinates movement with the medium truck company (petroleum) and petroleum supply company. Throughput from a GS petroleum supply company to the supported unit or MSB/FSB Class III point remains the most responsive way to move fuel.
Under supply point distribution, supported units drive organic vehicles to the DS supply company's Class III supply point, Nondivision units obtain fuel from a supply company employed in the division area. Depending upon organic capability and corps reinforcing support, forward CSG/CSB LOS at the DISCOM and FSBs arrange for corps units to receive support from a MSB S&S company or FSB supply company.
REFUEL-ON-THE-MOVE
Refuel-on-the-move support ensures that the fuel tanks of combat and fuel-servicing vehicles are topped off en route, This support is normally provided by using 5,000-gallon petroleum tankers and refueling equipment to establish four-to eight-point refueling site. It can occur along any portion of a line of march. Using CSG assets eliminates the need to draw down petroleum supply vehicles organic to combat and CS units.
The CSG petroleum officer and petroleum supply battalion staff plan the refuel operation to preclude shutting down the system, More than one tanker can be connected to the refueling system. When one tanker is emptied, switch to another and replace as necessary. A tank and pump unit can employ near the site exit to fuel wheeled vehicles.
CSG support operations staff officers coordinate refueling site selection with the sector RAOC. Parking area, concealment, and traffic flow comprise key site selection factors. Fuel tankers need to be able to exit the area rapidly in the event of an attack.
Petroleum officers in CSBs and petroleum supply battalions need copies of the march tables and fuel consumption figures. Supported units coordinate resupply requirements with the supporting unit. FM 10-71 describes refuel-on-the-move operations.
AVIATION FUEL RESUPPLY
Helicopter operations are time-critical. Delays in resupply of aviation fuels could jeopardize critical missions. Depending on the mission and environment, attack helicopters could require resupply every one and a half to two hours. Aviation battalion staff officers forecast support requirements based on the expected duration of the mission.
When possible, medium truck company (petroleum) tankers throughput aviation fuels to the --
- Attack/assault helicopter battalion combat trains.
- Division airfield site.
- MSB Class III supply point. (The MSB S&S company typically positions its jet fuel assets at the FSB's forward Class III point.)
Medical evacuation helicopters refuel at the division/corps airfield.
Forward deployed corps aviation units receive aviation fuel from corps assets. To expand the storage and distribution capabilities of the division aviation brigade, forward CSGs can --
- Allocate 10,000-gallon collapsible fabric tank(s) to provide a temporary corps storage facility at the division airfield or other precoordinated location.
- Temporarily allocate tankers to corps aviation battalions to provide mobile aviation fuel storage.
- Deliver 500-gallon collapsible drums of aviation fuel to supported units for aircraft refueling.
- Maintain at least one petroleum semitrailer to transport aviation fuel.
Normally, corps aviation units are resupplied with aviation fuel direct from the corps. The MSB's main Class III supply point also maintains a limited reserve stockage of aviation fuel. Refer to Figure 8-5. In an emergency, aviation units could obtain aviation fuel from the MSB. Corps or MSB tankers transfer aviation fuel support to petroleum vehicles organic to aviation units at predetermined locations. The COSCOM may also arrange to have corps aviation units obtain aviation fuel from the division aviation brigade FARPS or supply point.
Corps cargo and utility aircraft provide limited aerial resupply from corps sources. When operations occur beyond the FLOT, aerial resupply may comprise the only way to support operations.
PACKAGED PRODUCTS
SUPPORT CYCLE
Packaged products include 5-gallon cans and 55-gallon drums of fuel. They also include packaged products such as engine oil, hydraulic fluids, greases, fog oil, turbine oil, sulfuric acid, antifreeze, and cylinders of liquid and compressed gases.
Requirements depend on the number and type of equipment supported, climate conditions, and the area of operations (for example, hilly or desert). SB 710-2 lists packaged products consumption data for intense and sustained combat.
Packaged products are requested, received, and distributed like Class II and IV items. Figure 8-6 depicts the request and distribution flow of packaged products. FM 10-69 describes their receipt, storage, and issue.
Request and Issue
Units request packaged products from their supporting DS supply company. If the products are on hand, the DS supply company issues the product and sends status reports to the CMMC.
Requisition
If the required amount exceeds the available quantity, or if the product is not stocked, the DS supply company consolidates the requests and forwards a requisition to the CMMC.
The CMMC performs a lateral search for the product within the corps. If the product is available, it transmits MROs directing a GS supply company to issue packaged products to a DS supply company. The DS supply company's Class II, packaged III, and IV point uses advance copies of issue documents to prepare for the receipt of supplies. The GS supply company coordinates movement requirements with the supporting MCT.
Distribution
Supply point distribution is normally used to issue packaged III products. Nondivision units drive to the DS supply company Class II, packaged III, IV, and VII point to pick up packaged products. This includes filling 5-gallon cans or 55-galion drums. Corps organizations employed in the brigade area may obtain packaged III products at a forward logistics element or at an FSB's supply company forward Class III point.
Fog Oil
Requirements for fog oil depend on the --
- Duration of smoke or deception operations.
- Weather conditions.
- Terrain.
- Time allowed to produce smoke.
The CMMC cuts MROs directing issue from stocks at a GS supply company Class II, packaged III, and IV point. The CMCC coordinates its delivery with MCTs, Corps trucks deliver fog oil in 55-gallon drums to corps chemical units, bypassing the DS level.
AIR RESUPPLY
Air resupply becomes necessary when ground LOCs are not secure or available. It can support units cutoff from normal resupply. DS supply company personnel sling load 55-and 500-gallon drums for helicopter external sling load. Airdrop supply company personnel prepare the load for delivery by fixed wing aircraft. Receiving units turn slings back into the supply system.
SUPPORT OF TACTICAL OPERATIONS
To successfully support tactical operations, petroleum staff personnel need to analyze support options. They --
- Plan for shifts in tactical operations from offensive to defensive or retrograde.
- Monitor fuel forecasts and recommend adjustments as necessary.
- Assess storage and distribution requirements versus the mission capabilities of subordinate units.
- Analyze ways to reinforce FSB forward Class III point.
- Analyze the impact of the enemy's capability to interdict ground LOCSs.
Table 8-1 lists other areas for petroleum officers to consider and actions to take to support offensive, defensive, and retrograde operations.
SUPPORTING OFFENSIVE
OPERATIONS
Stockpiling large amounts of bulk fuel in forward areas could indicate to threat intelligence that an attack is pending.
The DS supply company can setup a service station type operation near the MSR. This supports rapid refuel and return of combat and CS elements to the offense.
Resupply occurs as the situation permits. This is normally during scheduled halts or after achieving the objective. Tactical vehicles should enter the resupply point, following a one-way traffic flow. Based upon the tactical situation, a section or platoon pulls out of its position, is refueled, and returns to the convoy. This process continues until the company has been refueled.
The CSG commander assesses the risk to soft-skinned vehicles against the chance of enemy action. To speed resupply, the commander can attach resupply vehicles to the supported unit.
Soldiers of all units need to know how to defuel 500-gallon drums. All fuel-servicing vehicles should have fuel pumps as basic issue items. Train soldiers to identify the hoses and couplings required to mate the 500-gallon drum to organic fuel-servicing equipment.
SUPPORTING DEFENSIVE
OPERATIONS
When out of contact, supported units may continue to send vehicles back to the centralized resupply point. Alternatively, they could remain in place while petroleum tankers or tank and pump units go to each vehicle position. Regardless, to decrease enemy detection, resupply should occur during periods of limited visibility.
CSG and tactical commanders need to weigh the risk associated with forward resupply against providing fuel from a supply point in the corps rear area. The supported commander accepts the chance of loss due to enemy action. He preplans destruction of prestocked fuel to prevent capture.
SUPPORTING RETROGRADE
OPERATIONS
COSCOM petroleum support branch personnel recommend adjusting fuel forecasts to reduce the quantity of fuel pushed forward. CSG petroleum staff could recommend diverting tankers to rear storage points or storage facilities in areas where troops are preparing to support follow-on offensive operations.
Battlefield deception techniques can cover the withdrawal of fuel supply elements. Fuel elements set up filling station type operations along withdrawal routes. CSG OPORDs describe destruction procedures to prevent enemy capture of petroleum stocks.
BATTLEFIELD DECEPTION
Supply point size and petroleum tanker movements make Class III supply points difficult to conceal. CSG petroleum staff could recommend using the following deception techniques:
- Use civilian trucks and tankers in resupply operations.
- Set up collapsible fabric tanks in warehouses or factory buildings.
- Store packaged products in houses.
- Paint and mark 55-gallon drums to look like ones used by local civilians.
Deception techniques depend on the overall corps deception plan. However, CSG petroleum staff could recommend the following as possible ways to lead the enemy to believe that fuel elements operate where in reality none exist:
- Arrange empty fuel drums, damaged 500-gallon drums, and combat vehicle losses to portray a mobile filling station or forward Class III supply point.
- Transmit bogus requirements and MROs over the administrative/logistics net.
- Use decoy devices available in the logistics base decoy package. (These provide visual, thermal, and radar signatures similar to equipment and vehicles found in Class III sites.)
CAPTURED PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
As part of the LPB, the CSG S2/S3 provides information on enemy storage sites. Use of captured fuel without petroleum laboratory approval occurs only in emergencies. Forces discontinue use of captured fuel as soon as US fuel becomes available. The CSG petroleum supply officer coordinates testing and use of captured petroleum products.
SUPPORT CONCERNS
Due to the unique characteristics of petroleum, concerns include terrain requirements, quality surveillance, loss, and destruction.
INCREASED BATTLEFIELD DEPTH
The depth of air-ground operations has increased the dispersion and possible isolation of supported units. Increased battlefield depth requires that CSGs push fuel farther forward than ever before. Petroleum tankers deliver fuel to the DSA and, depending upon requirements of corps organizations employed in the brigade area, as far forward as brigade trains. This forward support places thin-skinned petroleum tankers at risk. Securing the ground LOC becomes imperative for support of operations. Air resupply becomes more critical as ground LOCs become too long to maintain.
THREAT TARGET
Class III supply points and distribution assets at forward supply elements appear as lucrative targets to threat forces. Threat forces understand the value of disrupting fuel distribution to forward forces. Subordinate fuel elements should expect, not merely consider, attacks from saboteurs, partisans, special purpose forces, and exploitation forces.
It is difficult to hide storage of over two million gallons of bulk fuel. Storage patterns formed by grouping 50.000-and 20,000-gallon storage bags are distinctive. It is difficult to hide traffic associated with the receipt and issue of over one million gallons of fuel per day from petroleum supply companies.
TERRAIN REQUIREMENTS
Though terrain dependent, petroleum supply companies could require an area of about 1,600 meters by 900 meters. Elements disperse to provide a less lucrative target. Dispersion enhances operational safety. Class III supply points require --
- Cover and concealment.
- Level, well-drained land.
- Easy access to road networks.
- At least 500 feet distance from other areas of operation.
- Water source to aid in fire control.
- Engineer site preparation.
- At least 150 feet between each of six 50,000-gallon collapsible fabric tanks per IFSSP.
- At least 40 feet between each of the four 10,000-gallon and 20,000-gallon collapsible fabric tanks per IFSSP.
- At least 25 feet between vehicles receiving fuel.
- At least 100 feet between aircraft refueled by FARE.
- At least 50 feet between the mobile laboratory site and other areas.
The CSG petroleum supply officer coordinates with the sector RAOC and division rear CP or FSB S2/3 in selecting a general operational area. Petroleum staff officers in subordinate battalions select the specific site. The CSG support operations officer coordinates petroleum storage facilities construction requirements with supporting engineers.
QUALITY SURVEILLANCE
Petroleum testing needs to be available early in undeveloped theaters. MIL-HDBK-200G prescribes the minimum emergency tests required. If the mobile laboratory team is not in theater, units need to send samples to the nearest laboratory out of country.
Petroleum quality surveillance specialists test products upon receipt and prior to shipment. They test stored products for serviceability and possible contamination.
The CSG petroleum supply officer implements the COSCOM's quality surveillance policy. The CSG FSOP lists the types of samples subordinate units submit for testing. It prescribes when and how units submit samples. It also specifies provisions for ensuring that HN facilities meet quality standards.
CONTAMINATED OR OFF-SPECIFICATION
PRODUCTS
The mobile petroleum laboratory team recommends ways to deal with contaminated or off-specification. products. Reclamation is preferred, unless time or the tactical situation prevents it. The CMMC petroleum manager coordinates final disposition instructions between the CSG petroleum supply officer and petroleum supply battalion staff. CSG HNS branch personnel coordinate product disposal through HN channels.
DESTRUCTION
Subordinate units need to destroy fuel stocks to prevent enemy capture and use. The degree of destruction depends on available time, equipment, and personnel.
Base cluster commanders can authorize destruction of fuel supply facilities to prevent imminent enemy capture. If time permits, they coordinate the decision to destruct with the CSG support operations officer and area RAOC.
The CSG FSOP specifies destruction authority and detail procedures for destruction. Unless otherwise specified, units destroy fuel stocks by burning.
FUEL SUPPLY CONTROLS
To ensure availability for critical surges, DS supply and petroleum supply units allocate bulk fuel according to priorities. The CMMC provides centralized control.
To ensure a continuous readiness posture, petroleum supply officers plan for and continually monitor fuel consumption. Successful tactical support depends on --
- Fuel allocation.
- Centralized control of GS fuel stocks.
- Maintaining a corps reserve (minimum days of supply).
- Accurate fuel forecasts.
- Timely status reports.
- Effective coordination between tactical and logistical planners.
FUEL ALLOCATION
When demand exceeds availability, commanders establish an allocation system. Allocations depends on priority and the commander's intent. Allocation instructions flow from the TAMMC and CMMC to the CSGs.
CENTRALIZED CONTROL
The CMMC exercises centralized control over bulk petroleum within the corps. It consolidates forecasts and transmits requirements to the TAMMC. The CMMC work loads GS petroleum supply companies by issuing MROs. If the corps allocates fuel resupply, the CMMC provides prioritized shipping instructions to the petroleum supply company. It also redirects shipments to meet surge requirements.
MINIMUM DAYS OF SUPPLY
To ensure that the theater provides responsive bulk fuel support, the TA commander prescribes minimum DOS. This quantity should be maintained within organic storage available in the combat zone and the COMMZ.
Developed Theaters
FM 10-67 recommends that the corps maintain the following minimum DOS within large developed theaters of operations:
- Four days of GS supply in the corps area.
- One day of DS supply in the corps area.
- One day of supply in the DSA.
Support operations staff officers use these figures for planning purposes only. In actual practice, the days of bulk fuel supply maintained at each level in a developed theater depend upon --
- Demands.
- Distances.
- Storage.
The COSCOM may need to expand existing petroleum distribution systems to support HN civilian and military forces.
Undeveloped Theater
The minimum DOS stocked in an undeveloped theater depend upon the --
- Available storage.
- Number of days required to resupply an independent corps by tanker ships.
- Duration and geographic expansion of the operation.
For planning purposes only, FM 10-67 recommends the following minimum DOS for an independent corps:
- Four to 15 days of supply at the GS level.
- One day of supply at the DS level.
- Two days of supply at the unit level.
COSCOM petroleum support branch personnel may recommend that the corps G4 adjusts these minimum stockage levels. An increase may be needed to enable the COSCOM to meet the needs of all users, to include the Air Force, Navy, and allies.
CORPS RESERVE STOCK
The corps reserve of bulk fuel allows CSGs to support division surges and counter battle losses. It is based on the requirement to support a heavy division for four days (about 2,140,000-gallons). The COSCOM portion of the Class III reserve equates to four days of supply. However, one of the four days is normally stock in transit to DSUs or using units. CMMC petroleum and water division staff officers ensure that fuel elements maintain their prescribed portion of the corps reserve stocks.
FUEL CONSUMPTION ESTIMATES
Fuel consumption estimates provide the basis for planning resupply operations. CSG petroleum officers use fuel consumption estimates to assess distribution priorities and develop plans for supporting corps forces.
Fuel estimates include requirements for each piece of organic fuel consuming equipment, by type of product, for each 24-hour period. The estimate reflects the battalion's probable level of activity, as determined by battalion S3s.
Until experience data accumulates, CSG and subordinate battalion petroleum officers use consumption data in SB 710-2. If appropriate, forward deployed units use STANAG 2115 to compute their fuel consumption. They adjust that fuel consumption to the type of combat, terrain, and climate.
The CSG petroleum supply officer analyzes the accuracy of supported unit fuel consumption estimates. These estimates help him determine the number and type of distribution equipment needed in subordinate fuel elements. CSG petroleum officers use these estimates to recommend ways to cross-level subordinate fuel elements to better balance requirements against capabilities.
FUEL FORECASTS
Fuel forecasts help the CMMC determine the quantity of fuel to resupply. Figure 8-7 depicts the flow of fuel forecasts. The CMMC sets corpswide reporting procedures. The TAMMC sets reporting procedures for the theater.
Each day, supported units forecast fuel requirements for the next three-day period. Table 8-2 provides a sample forecast. Supported units submit fuel forecasts to their battalion S4. As appropriate, S4s consolidate and forward the forecasts to the DMMC or CMMC. Corps FA, corps ADA, and corps engineer organizations attached to a division submit forecasted requirements to the DMMC. However, when those corps organizations support a division, they submit their forecasts to the CMMC.
Class III points submit daily status reports of fuel received, issued, and on hand to the DMMC/CMMC. Those within the corps send an information copy to their parent CSB and CSG's support operations section.
The CMMC uses forecasts and daily status reports to compute bulk fuel requirements for the corps. It modifies forecasts based upon stock status and the tactical situation. The CMMC's petroleum and water division develops and forwards a daily bulk fuel requirement requisition to the TAMMC. The CMMC also informs the CMCC of forecasted work loads.
STATUS REPORTS
Each day Class III supply points submit a status report through their parent battalion to the CMMC's petroleum and water division. Petroleum inventory control specialists in subordinate petroleum supply battalions receive stock status reports from petroleum companies and transmit storage and availability data to the CMMC.
WARTIME ACCOUNTABILITY
The Secretary of the Army may waive peacetime accountability procedures. When waived, GS petroleum supply companies and DS supply companies implement the following directives:
- Perform only cyclic inventories, as the situation allows.
- Perform summary accounting.
- Use the post-post method when issuing fuel.
- Record, but not report, fuel discrepancies.
If accountability procedures are not wavered, units follow procedures in AR 710-2 to determine allowable losses.
NBC CONCERNS
A nuclear blast can damage fuel equipment as well as cause injury to Class III supply point personnel. Thermal radiation from nuclear explosives can ignite combustible fuel stocks. The air blast can overturn fuel pumps, filter separators, and tank vehicles. It can hurl debris which can crush IFSSP equipment. Electromagnetic pulse damages electrical equipment by increasing voltage in excess of normal operating levels. Residual nuclear radiation can affect the health of Class III supply point personnel.
Defense measures include --
- Hardening the Class III supply point position. Unit personnel need to tie down or anchor loose or shock-sensitive equipment or shield it with sandbags or earth.
- Piling sandbags around power generators.
- Establishing entry and exit procedures to limit the spread of contamination.
- Decontaminating those portions of mission essential equipment which supply point personnel touch.
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