LOGISTICS
INTRODUCTION: Prompt aid to the disaster victims of Hurricane Andrew alleviated some suffering by providing food, bottled water, clothing, beds and bedding, and temporary shelters. There were some shortcomings because there is no single approved document that a commander can use in formulating a support plan for disaster assistance. All responsiveness of military support was exceptional once the order was published. The Federal Response Plan (FRP) used in conjunction with existing CONUSA Military Assistance to Civil Authorities (MACA) plans provide a good framework.
TOPIC: Life Support.
DISCUSSION: Life support falls into two distinct categories: operational and the soldier. The hurricane devastated the local infrastructure. Companies "lived in the field,"on school grounds. Provisions for latrine, shower, laundry, and other soldier support services were slow to develop and arrive. It can be expected that a disaster area will be an immature theater. Plans must be formulated to recognize and provide for this requirement.
Logistical support of company areas of operation (AOs) developed too slowly to meet demands placed on the companies. Residents expected complete service at these AOs. This requires a push system for all supplies and services required by the people. Field services and supply distribution are needed immediately.
LESSON(S): From the beginning of the disaster assistance effort, the logistics system must be capable of sustaining the operation, both mission and soldiers.
TOPIC: Logistics Doctrine.
DISCUSSION: Logistics doctrine needs to be developed for disaster assistance. There are a number of manuals available that give some guidelines in logistics support. For example, FM 100-10, Combat Service Support, suggests three guidelines for disaster assistance: tailor the package for the mission, arrange for contracting early on, and use local resources. Based on JTF Andrew experience, logistics units should be included in the first group of Army units deploying to a disaster area, to swiftly commence humanitarian relief support. Simultaneously, contracting should commence for those items that the U.S. Army cannot provide in the quantities required (i.e., reefer vans, ice, dumpsters, and portable latrines). Tentative contracts should be drawn up before a disaster occurs. This action may alleviate time spent in finding contractors after a disaster has occurred. Local resources need to be used when possible. These resources would include fixed facilities such as warehouses and hardstand parking lots. By using these local facilities, storage operations and shipping operations will operate more efficiently. Few other operations besides disaster assistance place Army logistics units as quickly into the world's spotlight. During the planning process, logistics units must use the five sustainment imperatives of anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation.
LESSON(S):
TOPIC: Contracted Tasks.
DISCUSSION: The Federal Response Plan assigns responsibilities for Emergency Support Functions (ESFs). The U. S. Army accomplished many of the ESFs that were assigned to other agencies. These ESFs were accomplished by deploying and tasking troop units to perform specific support missions. Several of these missions could have been contracted to civilian firms. Humanitarian feeding and transportation support are examples of tasks that can be contracted.
LESSON(S): Army assessment teams should advise the DCO and FEMA of Army capabilities to support the disaster and ensure that FEMA and state authorities fully consider contract actions prior to requesting troop support. Detailed disaster assistance battle books should be prepared that include sample letter contracts for commercial catering, commercial transportation, portable latrines, warehouse facilities, trash collection, and any other assets that can be contracted.
TOPIC: Distribution of Water.
DISCUSSION: A plan was developed for the distribution of water (bottled and bulk). Both types were delivered to the retail supply centers by the Corps of Engineers (USACE). COSCOM provided backup to the USACE. Bottled water service continued until more permanent water distribution systems were in place. Because of prior planning, potable water was not a problem. Bottled and bulk water was brought into the disaster area by civilian and military transportation. The distribution flow was from the Palm Beach distribution center to the two retail supply centers. It was then delivered to the Mobile Kitchen Trailer (MKT) sites and the life support sites. Pallets were dropped off, and anyone needing water could take what they needed since accountability was not a concern. Commercial companies were another source of potable water.
LESSON(S): Bottled water is a good method to distribute water to the local population without storage or transportation means. Military units can still rely on bulk distribution when necessary.
Table
of Contents
Health
Care
Logistics,
Part 2
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