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VIGNETTE

For the first three days soldiers sustained themselves totally from the supplies they carried in their rucksacks. On D+3 most units were resupplied by helicopter cling load. However, due to a shortage of sling sets, the helicopter often had to wait while units recovered the equipment and put the slings back on the aircraft. Once the roads were clear, supplies came in by truck convoy in daily logistics packages (LOGPACs). These LOGPACs had everything units needed for the next 24 hours: food, fuel, ammunition, and water.

KEY POINTS

The use of the sling-loaded systems minimizes aircraft dead time and is the preferred method of delivery. All units must have adequate sling sets to exchange with equipment being left during a delivery to their location. Shortages cause unnecessary slowdowns and tie up aircraft that have to wait for bundles to be derigged before they can return for additional loads. Preconfigured ammunition sets devised by the ammunition supply point (ASP) simplify operations at the supply point as well as within the supported unit. Water is critical, and the 5-gallon cans continues to be the best container for rapid exchange during LOGPAC operations.

LESSONS LEARNED

• The push concept of pre-package supplies configured to unit-specific needs should become standardized. Standardize procedures for rapid distribution and on/off loading such as a company load already pre-package into platoon bundles.

• The carrying of one or more 5-gallon cans on every vehicle saves resupply time. Exchange cans at LOGPAC sites or in a position.

• Ammunition pre-configured to unit combat loads and shipped to an ammunition transfer point (ATP) allows an uninterrupted flow of common, high-use ammunition.

• LOGPAC vehicles must be prepared to back-haul captured enemy equipment and prisoners. Train drivers and logistics personnel in EPW handling procedures.

• Internal loading of supplies is too time-consuming. Train and qualify supply personnel in all units to configure and rig supplies for external helicopter lift.

• Units must deploy with airload slings and nets, and procedures must be established for handling and backhaul to expedite resupply operations. Additional slings and nets must be available for high priority missions.

• The C-130s (inter-theater air) can be used to deliver supplies to forward locations when Army aviation and ground convoys are not available or are impractical.

• The Container Delivery System (CDS), which rapidly drops multiple bundles from a C-130 or C-141, is a viable means for resupply when convoys and Army aviation are limited. This is especially effective if bundles from the initial assault have not been broken and only require minimal rerigging to deliver to the owning unit.

Table of Contents, Volume III
Combat Vehicles
Lessons Learned - Logistics & Equipment: Contingency-Unique Logistics