Military

* Brigade S4 orients participants to the map or terrain model

- key terrain

- routes

- security considerations

- control measures

- coordination data

* Brigade S2 briefs:

- the threat

- likely enemy avenues of approach

- updated brigade intelligence data, highlighting Level I and II threats

- refugee activity

- deep threats: artillery and aviation

* Brigade S3 representative briefs:

- overview of the brigade mission and plan

- highlights critical decision points that may impact support and future operations

* Each TF S4 briefs:

- current TF logistical assets

- unit locations:

- battalion aid stations (jump and main)

- UMCP

- combat trains

- field trains

- current combat power

- maneuver unit locations

* FSB Support Operations officer briefs:

- current BSA locations

- critical logistical activities within the next 24 hours

- critical shortages

- throughput locations and times, i.e., ATPs, bulk fuel breaks, etc.

- anticipated moves prior to LD

Before Phase: consists of all required task force and brigade movements from current locations to TAAs, attack positions or the LD.

* TF S4s successively lay out:

- terrain

- routes

- security

- enroute requirements, i.e., ROM, recovery, evacuation, etc.

* FSB Support Operations officer briefs:

- posturing

- pre-positioning

- movement of the BSA and resultant support impact

* Unit representatives:

- physically move unit symbols

- provide specific times; grids; comm nets; requirements

- must include: trigger points; ontrol measures; coordination points.

During Phase: should reflect the same mission phases (if applicable) as the OPORD

* follow the format and sequence listed above.

- each TF lays out every functional area

- each TF continues to physically depict locations, to ensure an understanding of the relationship between position and functions on the total logistics effort.

* feasibility; executability; common sense checks should continuously occur.

*senior logisticians present should ensure actions " during" the battle contribute to the logistics preparation of the battlefield for the next fight:

- hasty displacement plans

- alternate communications means

- alternate routes and locations

- response to rear threats

- use of aerial resupply

- use of aerial evacuation

- security measures

* get briefbacks by key functional operators to confirm TF to FSB linkage

EXAMPLE: Walk through medical evacuation from point of injury to the Forward Support Medical Company - across all phases - emphasizing the connectivity of the AXP and potential reconstitution. PLAYERS MUST "SEE" THE OPERATION FROM ALL ASPECTS.

After Phase: focus on continuing to logistically shape the battlefield for future operations.

* logistical actions on the objective should reflect the same level of detailed coordination as the preceding phases. Focus on:

- recovery of combat systems

- clearing casualties

- pre-positioning Class IV and other commodities

* concentrate on speed of recovery from losses and reestablishment of the brigade's logistics base.

* other topics to address in detail:

- routes

- security

- traffic control

* the brigade S3, MPs, and local authorities must expedite the forward movement and the evacuation of key assets.

- First Destination Release Points, if used, require specific emphasis.

- identify dedicated routes, for both access and egress; emphasize route discipline.

- ensure units know the location of obstacles and minefields.

Recocking based on the rehearsal: Based on what you found during the rehearsal, go back to the first decision point in the Decision Support Template (DST) and, with the Brigade S3 representative, discuss potential logistics plan changes that may result from maneuver decisions.

* The FSB commander and the Support Operations officer should discuss each set of branches, particularly if the branch affects division or corps throughput.

* the rehearsal should finish with the recorder recapping all changes:

- adjusted timing of moves

- any route changes

- newly announced support data

- security refinements

Products from the rehearsal: Two critical products should result from the CSS rehearsal:

* A completed CSS annex for brigade and FSB orders (see figure 2)

CSS Annex Chart(16872k)

* A finalized CSS synchronization matrix (see figure 3)

CSS Synchronization Matrix(8438k)

These products form the basis for execution and the benchmark from which logisticians manage change.

Benefits of a CSS rehearsal

* synchronization of logistics for logisticians

* brigade warfighters get a detailed understanding of the support plan

* key events impacting operational logistics become readily apparent

* focused intelligence gathering

* improved communications

* integration of the close, deep and rear battle

Conclusion: The CSS specific rehearsal techniques and procedures provide a framework which units can situationally adapt to meet their requirements. Regardless of the technique employed, the central concept of the CSS rehearsal remains--matching logistical functions and capabilities with time and space to ensure mission success.

Table of Contents
Chapter 5 - Combat Service Support Rehearsals - A Framework
Acknowledgements