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Mission success for support battalions at the Combat Maneuver Training Center (CMTC) means getting tanks and Bradleys across LD. To achieve this feat, CSS units must carefully examine how they plan, prepare, and execute Combat Service Support (CSS) operations. The challenges posed by transitioning from non-linear Peace Support Operations (PSOs) back to linear High Intensity Conflict (HIC) operations complicate the CSS planner's task. Here are some key techniques to help planners ensure timely and flexible support to maneuver units at CMTC.

1. Establish reliable, synchronized and well-defined CSS systems to support a Brigade Combat Team (BCT).

• Include all classes of supply, maintenance and services to achieve success for the supported units.
• Train up and rehearse before deploying to CMTC.

2. Develop a sound Concept of Support (COS) for the supported BCT prior to their arrival at CMTC. The COS provides the framework for all CSS to deployed units.

• An effective COS clearly defines how units will receive support.
• CSS planners must synchronize the COS to make certain they will provide the full spectrum of support.
• Support battalions synchronize the COS with the brigade S-4 before the CSS rehearsal. Clear definition and synchronization allow all CSS planners and executors to understand and apply the plan.

3. Rehearse. Just as combined arms rehearsals contribute to tactical success, a CSS rehearsal improves support operations for the supported BCT.

• Through rehearsals, logisticians convert support concepts to timely, appropriate actions.
• Rehearsals validate synchronized plans, ensure continuity of supporting plans, and verify the sustainability of the tactical plan within the maneuver commander's intent.
• When conducted with the right players, they remove anxiety from the maneuver commanders.

4. Understand the maintenance and Class IX systems from crew level to direct support.

• With this understanding, planners can identify the weak links in their systems and correct the problem(s) as they occur.
• Daily maintenance meetings are where CSS planners do this.
• Useful meetings must have a defined agenda, a scheduled time (based on tactical and logistical operations) and the key CSS planners in the BCT must attend.

  RESULT: Delivery of combat power to the BCT.

5. Plan and train to establish and maintain reliable, redundant tactical communications. This includes logistics connectivity.

• A unit that cannot communicate cannot support or win. Each battle presents a new set of logistic requirements.
• Units must communicate the logistic demands of this ever-changing environment, or they will not provide timely and accurate CSS support for the BCT.
• Redundant communication systems and determined soldier action to maintain positive communications spell the difference between logistic life and death.

6. Establish a system of reporting and tracking to manage information systems.

• CSS planners must have an accurate means to gather information, anticipate CSS shortfalls, and manage CSS systems.
• Without a CSS system, units cannot provide accurate tactical logistical requirements to the BCT.
• Exercise, refine, and incorporate the system into existing standing operating procedures (SOPs), but the bottom line for information management remains maximizing combat power for the maneuver commander.

7. Conduct daily BSA tenants' meetings. These provide the support battalions and the brigade staff with excellent opportunities to integrate all tenants into the BSA and synchronize BSA operations: base defense, and administrative issues as well as operational logistics (internal and direct support).

8. Understand how maneuver units fight.

• How the BCT will fight determines all logistic planning including the best method to support.
• This requires broad tactical and technical proficiency.
• A logistician who fails to understand warfighting will not adequately track, anticipate, or provide timely CSS support to the BCT.

CMTC provides many training challenges and opportunities for support battalions to learn. These keys to success are only a handful of the many lessons that a CMTC rotation teaches CSS units. Keying on these techniques allows units to get the most from their CMTC training experience.

Nested Concepts

Acknowledgements