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VIGNETTE

The 7th Inf Div (L) Commander put his material managers on the first aircraft with his battlestaff. This was key to the successful support the Division experienced during operations. Once on the ground, contacts were quickly made and liaison established. Units deployed only what they absolutely needed because of aircraft constraints. Priority was given to combat arms units because planners felt the Division would not be deployed for extended operations. Intelligence indicated that units could contract for transportation shortfalls and that services were available through the Directorate of Logistics in Panama.

KEY POINTS

Logistical elements that support contingency units must expect to be tailored to the greatest degree possible. Weapons systems will often have priority over support equipment and personnel during contingency operations. Therefore, combat service support (CSS) operators must be skillful in getting the most out of the space they are allotted. Planners and operators must ensure that cargo and vehicles are appropriately prioritized. Redundancy in capability is an unsupportable luxury in contingency units; therefore, equipment must be highly maintained and the operators proficient. Accurate logistics status reporting aids the operations officer in mission planning and in setting priorities for transportation assets.

LESSONS LEARNED

• Host-nation support must be planned for in advance since it is essential in meeting transportation shortfalls and some limited services such as laundry.

• Sequencing is critical. Part of the logistics package must be deployed early to be sure that on-site support is coordinated and ready when the unit arrives.

• Accurate logistical reporting is essential. Pre-deployment planning is often done by only a few plans officers who rely on standard data, such as equipment status reports and basic load information, to plan the force packages.

• Accurate daily logistics status (LOGSTAT) reporting is critical. An inaccurate report can easily cause diversion of limited assets from combat missions.

• Trucks and helicopters are critical transportation assets. Units must release these assets following mission completion. This avoids hampering movement control and disrupting other support missions.

• Logisticians at all levels must know the OPLAN and anticipate unit needs. Commanders should have supplies where and when they need them, without formal requests.

Table of Contents, Volume III
Resupply
Lessons Learned - Logistics & Equipment: Soldier Sustainment