Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...

Sustainment
8-67. In using aerial resupply, the DRT commander considers the threat's ability to locate his unit by
observing the aircraft. Unless conducting the resupply in an area under friendly control and away from
direct enemy observation (reverse slope of a defensive position with reconnaissance well forward), the
commander locates the DZ or LZ away from the main unit in an area that can be defended for a short time.
The delivered supplies are immediately transported away from the DZ or LZ.
Managing Consumption of Water
8-68. Ensuring that Soldiers receive and drink enough water is a vital sustainment and leadership function
at all levels in the troop’s chain of command. Even in cold areas, everyone needs to drink at least two
quarts of water a day to maintain efficiency. Soldiers must drink water at an increased rate in a combat
environment.
8-69. Water is delivered to the unit under troop or squadron control in 5-gallon cans, disposable bottles,
trailers, or collapsible containers. When a centralized feeding area is established, a water point is set up in
the mess area and each Soldier fills his canteen. When the troop distributes rations, it resupplies water
either by collecting and filling empty canteens or distributing water cans to the platoons.
8-70. Water is habitually included in LOGPACs. The ability of the command to supply water is limited by
the ability of the brigade support battalion’s water section to purify, store, and distribute it. The sustainment
system may not always be able to meet unit needs, particularly during decentralized operations. In most
environments, water is available from natural sources. Soldiers should be trained to find, treat (chemically
or using field expedients), and use natural water sources. (See FM 3-05.70 for ways the unit can supply its
own water, if needed.)
8-71. When water is not scarce, leaders should urge Soldiers to drink water even when they are not thirsty.
The body's thirst mechanism does not keep pace with the loss of water through normal daily activity. The
rate at which dehydration occurs depends on the weather conditions and the level of physical exertion.
8-72. If water is in short supply, Soldiers should use it sparing for hygiene purposes. Water used for coffee
or tea might be counterproductive since both increase the flow of urine. Soups, however, are an efficient
means of getting both water and nutrition when water is scarce. This is especially true in cold weather when
heated food is desirable. When in short supply, water should not be used to heat MREs. A centralized
heating point can be used to conserve water yet provide warmed MREs.
TRANSPORTATION
8-73. Movement of supplies, equipment, and personnel with limited vehicle assets requires careful
planning and execution. Dismounted reconnaissance troop units have limited organic transportation for
resupply operations. The squadron or forward supply company provides vehicle assets for troop resupply
operations.
8-74. When extra vehicles are provided to the troop, the troop employs them to capitalize on their
capability to execute the mission requirement. They also return them for follow-on troop or parent-unit
missions. Transportation assets are scarce, often resulting in trade-offs. For example, they are used to
upload increased quantities of ammunition and less water, or carry unit rucksacks and remain unavailable
for resupply. The DRT commander ensures the asset accomplishes the most important mission. Because
time is critical, the troop must reduce on-station time so that all troop requirements can be met. Leaders
must ensure that drivers know where they are going and how to get there. Land navigation training, marked
routes, and strip maps referenced to landmarks are all ways to keep drivers from getting lost.
SECTION V – OTHER OPERATIONS
8-75. Other sustainment operations include reorganization and replacements, enemy prisoners of war, and
FHP.
16 November 2010 ATTP 3-20.97 8-13