Logistics - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)


Group

Logistics
This group is not in a published chapter and should not be relied upon.



Guide
FM/BG-493 - Logistical Planning
Guide

Logistical planning

When preparing for an operation as Logistics Support Chief, the focus should be on creating a simple and efficient plan to achieve your objectives. The logistics plan must take into account the specific challenges of the mission. For example, if the mission is to be conducted in a remote area, the logistics plan will need to include a way to transport supplies and equipment to the area. The logistics plan must also be flexible enough to accommodate changes in the mission. For example, if the mission is extended, the logistics plan will need to be updated to include additional supplies and equipment.

 

General tipsPlan early

The earlier planning starts, the more time there is to identify and address potential problems. Do this by attending the FL briefing and make sure to have a clear understanding of the mission requirements.

Be flexible

Things don't always go according to plan, so be prepared to make changes as needed.

Communicate effectively

Make sure the FL and his subordinates understand the concept of support for the operation.

Have a backup plan

In the event of a disruption to the logistics plans, it's important to have a backup plan in place.

 

ConsiderationsDistance between elements

The distance between elements will affect the type of transportation that is needed. For example, if elements are close together, then ground transportation may be sufficient. However, if elements are far apart, then air transportation may be necessary.

 

Distance between the Logistical Hub (LH) and friendly elements

The speed of a resupply depends mostly on the distance the supplies need to travel. The further away the LH is, the longer transportation takes. To keep the travel time as short as possible, the Logistics Chief should prepare a FRP (Forward Resupply Point). This point should be close enough to the Area of Operations (AO) of the GCE to provide a quick and efficient response. The distance should not be further away from the AO than a 5 minute one-way journey by the chosen delivery method.

 

Threats in the AO

The threats in the area of operations will affect the type of security that is needed. For example, if there is a high threat of enemy attack, then heavier security may be needed. However, if there is a low threat of enemy attack, then lighter security may be sufficient.

The table below lists some common battlefield threats and their mitigations.

ThreatMitigation
IEDClear a route or use MRAP
MinesClear a route or use a mine clearer to transport supplies
Air threatsUse CAP to protect the air asset, or use ground vehicles
Ground base anti air threatsDo not use Airborne assets

 

Guide
FM/BG-494 - How to support different operation type's
Guide

The type of operation being supported will affect the quantity and type of supplies and equipment that are needed. For example, if the operation is a long-term peacekeeping deployment, then more humanitarian, maintenance, and construction supplies will be needed versus ammunition. However, if the operation is a conventional war mission then it should require more frequent or expansive ammunition and medical re-supplies.

The table below shows some different types of operations and the types of logistics support they require.

 

Peacekeeping

Counter Insurgency

Conventional

Ammo

Low amount of ammunition needed.

Moderate amount of ammunition required.More likely to need launcher resupply.

High amount of ammunition required.

Medical

Medical supplies might be needed for providing treatment to non-combatants.

Moderate amount of medical support required.Mainly IED related.

High amount of medical resupply required.

Repair

Repairs might be needed for non-combatant vehicles and structures.Small chance of friendly repairs.

More likely to require repairs on friendly vehicles.

High chance of vehicle repair and rearm.

Humanitarian

High amount of humanitarian aid required (water, food, tents, medical assistance).

Medium amount of humanitarian aid required (water, food, tents, medical assistance).

Variable amount of humanitarian aid required (water, food, tents, medical assistance).

Transport

May require transportation for non-combatants.

Likely to require transport for EPOWs or civilians.

Likely to require transport for EPOWs or civilians.

Construction

Construction supplies to build aid camps or operating bases may be required.

Might require construction supplies to build operating bases.

Might require construction supplies to build operating bases.

Threat Mitigations

Low-threat environment, less security required.

Moderate threat environment, need to maintain 360-degree security and ensure safety of assets in transit between friendly elements.

High threat environment, but more able to orient security toward front lines and establish safe transit routes for supplies.

Skill
FM/BS-497 - Loading supplies using boxloader
Skill

Scroll wheel select loading target   on Vehicle / Container you want to have supplies loaded up. Aim for the crate of supplies you want to load up – > select  load objectrepeat until space is full. 

Skill
FM/BS-548 - Unload Supplies using boxloader
Skill

Look at object -→ scroll wheel : unload object Notes Make sure the area behind/ around the  vehicle is clear  of  blocking  things  ( people, vehicles, Building) Specialy moving things.

Skill
FM/BS-549 - Loading and unloading supplies using ACE cargo
Skill

Loading up supplies: 

Put supplies within 3 meters of vehicle Ace interation on the supplies  you want to load — Select  correct vehicle and release to load upUnloading supplies Ace interaction on the Vehicle  select crate you want to unload select unload button Notes make sure with unloading the area around is clear of any blocking elements ( people , vehicle, buidlings)

Specially moving objects

Guide
FM/BG-496 - How to support different unit setup
Guide

The types of units being supported and their size will affect the type of supplies and equipment that are needed. For example, if the units are mainly infantry units, then different supplies and equipment will be needed than if the units are armored or air units. Below are some considerations for the different types of units making up our Ground Combat Elements (GCEs) to factor into logistics planning and what kinds of supplies will typically need to be provided.

Infantry-focused GCE

With this type of GCE the regular ammunition types are consumed faster than others because the infantry is engaging the bulk of the contacts. Be prepared for several rapid re-supply requests depending on how the battle goes. Multiple sets of infantry resupply crates should be allocated to support several elements at the same time. This will allow the infantry to resupply in place and without delay, enabling them to return to the fight more quickly.

Mechanized GCE

With this type of GCE vehicle ammunition, wheels, tracks, and fuel are consumed faster than anything else because the vehicles are engaging the bulk of the contacts. Be prepared for vehicle recovery scenarios and frequent ot rapid re-positioning of support assets forward depending on the pace of the battle. Multiple mobile vehicle repair support teams should be allocated to the support plan if possible. This will allow downed vehicles across a wider area of operations to be serviced quickly, enabling the GCE to maintain momentum while in contact.

Combined-arms GCE

With this type of GCE the logistical challenge is to prioritize the importance of supplies. Not only does the infantry need resupply, but so do the mechanized vehicles. There will be more infantry than in the Mechanized GCE, but less vehicles. The vehicles, however, are more likely to require rearm and repairs due to the heavy use of their weaponry to support the infantry. Depending upon what support assets are available, the infantry can be resupplied as above with additional vehicle supplies brought along or the vehicles can come to a separate central resupply point and then return to their fighting positions.

Airborne GCE

An airborne GCE is the hardest GCE to provide logistical support for due to the tendency of having very long resupply routes and the inaccessibility of the area for ground vehicles. Generally, for this type of GCE, helicopters are used to provide resupply. Landing zones are predesignated, or if none are available then supplies are airdropped from the helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft. Depending on the mission parameters there may be an opportunity to get a small buggy in the helicopter's cargo to allow the aircraft to remain further back for safety while providing a rapid transit from the LZ to friendly troops. Materials can also be air-lifted forward to create an FRP if enemy and terrain allow. During airborne operations airlifting in light vehicles for support engineers to use to distribute supplies from a FRP is recommended. This is to minimize risk to friendly helicopters by allowing them to deposit supplies further away from the frontlines. In general, sling loading supplies is the preferred delivery method as it minimizes time spent in the AO for the helicopter. Otherwise, resupply should be proactively estimated by monitoring command radio nets and on standby for fast drop-off when required.

Additional note: Airborne assets are the hardest to get back in the fight if they are damaged. Keep in mind you always need to bring a small fuel container, because fuel is the fastest to run out and the most difficult to bring in via air.

Larger GCE

It is evident that a larger GCE requires more supplies to keep them in fighting condition. Plan ahead with a bigger resupply plan and pre-stage assets whenever time and location allow.

 

The table below shows what types of supplies are typically required for each type of GCE. 

Supply CrateInfantry GCEMechanized GCECombined Arms Airborne
Standard squad resupply 
Disposable light AT
Medium AT ammo 
Medical supply
Vehicle ammo 
Portable fuel container
Repair vehicle
Artillery resupply 
Skill
FM/BS-492 - Create a Vehicle resupply point (VRP)
Skill

A vehicle Resupply point  should consist of: Easy in and out acces for vehicles   Seperate exit entry route Refueling capabilities ( fuel canister or supply vehicle)  Rearming capabilities ( Ammo crate or supply vehicle) Repair vehicle. Avoid  placing it with a Infantry rearm point  (IRP) Area should be big enough to multiple vehicles at the same time.

Skill
FM/BS-491 - Create a Infantry Resupply Point (IRP)
Skill

 Prepare a resupply point : -  Make sure area is secure and in cover as much as possible - spread out the  supplies per team / Squad  - Make sure supplies are carry able to make setting up secure  - Make sure resupply vehicle can fit  at the location

Area should be easy accessible by vehicle.

Skill
FM/BS-550 - Dropping supplies using Air vehicles
Skill

Ace interact on vehicle while inside  select cargo  select item you want to drop .  Notes Drop is not instant has a delay Item is  under the influence of the wind The higher de drop the longer the crate will move from possible intended  DZ. 

 

Skill
FM/BS-551 - Towing a asset
Skill

Select Vehcile which is going to tow Deploy tow ropes Move to vheicle you want to tow Attach tow ropes  Drive with towing vehicleNotes  Max Speed  is reduced of your towing vehicle 

Strength of towing vehicle matters ( tank can not be towed by hmmv) Turning is  dangersoes  make wider turns watch out for buldings/ other vehicles

 

Skill
FM/BS-552 - Vehicle in field repair
Skill
Guide
FM/BG-498 - How to setup a Forward Resupply point (FRP)
Guide

Establishing Forward Resupply Points (FRP)

 

A Forward Resupply Point (FRP) is a temporary location where supplies and equipment are stored and distributed to forward-deployed units. FRPs are typically established in areas that are close to the front lines of combat. The purpose of an FRP is to provide a way to more quickly resupply forward-deployed units with the supplies and equipment they need to continue fighting.

 

When planning ahead for an operation or during a mission itself, an FRP is mostly decided based upon easy access from the LH or the safest route to fly in and land near (if it is an airborne resupply route.) It is important to determine how safe an FRP is from a possible attack in the rear areas and how easy it is to get supplies in or out. Try to avoid a location with a single, small entry and exit or no suitable landing zone close by. Also take into account the use of terrain for cover and concealment to further protect logistical operations. 

Here are some important considerations for establishing FRPs:

 

Location: The FRP should be located in an area that is close to the front lines of combat, but it should also be located in an area that is secure from enemy attack.

Security: The FRP should be secured from enemy attack. This is best done by positioning the FRP at a site that has been cleared by friendly forces and/or is in cover and concealment from the enemy. There are not usually enough resources available to establish a perimeter around the FRP with dedicated security personnel.

Transportation: The FRP should be accessible by transportation. This means that the FRP should be located near a road, dock, or airstrip.

Storage: The FRP should have enough storage space to store the supplies and equipment that will be needed with enough dispersion to prevent total loss in the event of enemy attack.

 

Logistical resupply points are established in a standardized fashion and marked accordingly.

Proper marking and spacing will improve efficiency in resupply location.

 

Below are some examples of markings and site organization for FRPs.

 

 ColorSquad 1 MarkingSquad 2 MarkingSquad 3 Marking
First PlatoonRedCircleCrossTriangle
Second PlatoonGreenCircleCrossTriangle
Third PlatoonBlueCircleCrossTriangle
Skill
FM/BS-489 - Change a wheel or track
Skill
  • Remove the old wheel/track using ACE interaction
  • Place the new wheel/track close to the vehicle
  • Change wheel/track using ACE interaction on the same point the old wheel/track was located
Skill
FM/BS-490 - Prioritze which vehicle component to repair
Skill

Unless specifically requested by the crew, prioritize the components to repair in the following order:

  • main weapons
  • turret
  • fuel tank
  • engine
  • wheels/tracks
  • other components
Policy
FM/BP-495 - Standard Logistical Resupply
Policy

The standardisation of logpacks ensures all elements know exactly what they are getting from a logpack. The logistical support chief should make sure the logpacks are made and named accordingingly. We use the UNICRATE mod to make the different crates easily recognisable.

 

Squad resupply

 Standard squad supply crateStandard squad supply crate with designated marksman
Standard rifle ammo40x40x
AR ammo5x5x
Marksman ammo5x
40mm HE(DP)20x12x
40mm red smoke8x8x
40mm white smoke4x4x
Frag grenade10x10x
White smoke6x6x
Blue smoke4x4x
Purple smoke2x2x

 

Anti-vehicle

Disposable launcher crateLight anti-tank crateMedium anti-tank crateHeavy anti-tank crateAnti-aircraft launcher Crate
4x disposable launcher4-6x ammo for light anti-tank4-6x ammo for medium anti-tank4x ammo for heavy anti-tank6x ammo for anti-air

 

Medical

 Medical crate for CLSMedical crate for squad/combat medicMedical crate for CMT/MERT/CCP
Basic bandage50x100x200x
Packing bandage50x100x200x
Elastic bandage50x100x200x
Quickclot bandage100x200x
Splint10x15x (if PAK in field is disabled)
Morphine autoinjector15x30x50x
Epinephrine autoinjector10x30x50x
1000ml blood100x200x
500ml blood100x200x
Personal aid kit (PAK)15x50x
Body bag5x30x

 

Special

Special crates are used when standard options are not available. This can be due to the mission limiting transport capabilities, special equipment needs, intentionally limiting resupply options, or because the assets used can not hold all the crates.

 Explosive cratesSpecial purpose crateEquipment crateGrenade crateCargo crate
Primary useMines and Demolition resupplySpecific mission itemsSpecial equipmentSpecial or normal grenade resupplyLarge resupply
Secondary useStorage of defused IEDsStorage of confiscated itemN/AExtra 40mm and smokeN/A
SizeSame as normal squad resupplySame as normal squad resupplySame as normal squad resupplySame as normal squad resupply3x bigger then other crates
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