FM 100-5 Operations - Survival Ebooks Military Manuals Survival ...

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMOPERATIONSThe throughput capacity of airports and seaports constrainsunits and materiel flowing into a theater. Engineerresources can expand this capacity. Theater logisticsbases are characterized by facilities for storageand transfer of ammunition and bulk petroleum, maintenanceof sensitive equipment, power generation anddistribution, and protection of vital materiel. Roadsand bridges should be sufficient to move traffic to theforward combat areas. Logistics preparation of thetheater includes determining maintenance priorities forexisting infrastructure, repairing damaged or destroyedinfrastructure, and constructing facilities to compensatefor infrastructure shortfalls. Balancing requirementsfor combat engineers with base developmentengineering needs and considering host nation engineeringcapabilities along with those of other servicesare also part of the planning process. During initialbase establishment, split-based logistics operations areoften a necessity.The depth, simultaneity, and tempo of operationschallenge planners to forecast and respond to the needsof forward-deployed units. Even in a developed theater,operational and logistical planners continually reassessthe location of their principal and supplementarybases of support. The choice of where to establishthe initial lodgment or support base could influencethe course of the entire campaign. Lodgmentsshould allow easy access to strategic sealift and airlift,offer adequate space for storage, facilitatetranshipment of supplies, and be accessible to multipleLOCs. Lodgments are thus often established nearkey seaport or airport facilities. Logistics-over-theshore(LOTS) operations may augment undevelopedor damaged facilities or provide ports where none exist.The vulnerability of ports to long-range, highlydestructive enemy weaponry will increase the importanceof the ability to conduct LOTS operations fromanchorages.Seldom will logistics base locations contain theideal mixture of desired characteristics. Commandersmake difficult choices as they organize a theater ofoperations. They weigh the risks and benefits of particularlogistics base sites, seeking a structure that isflexible, supports the campaign design, and meets theneeds of the fighting force.EXPANDING THE THEATERLOGISTICS BASEAs the force in a theater increases, the commanderensures an appropriate balance of combat, CS, and CSSunits throughout expansion. Plans to build up forcesin a theater reflect any necessary acclimatization, reequipping,or in-theater training, as well as establishingand enhancing life support infrastructure. Thesupport capacity of the logistics base must accommodatethe flow of combat forces.With the arrival of each unit in the theater, logisticsplanners revise support plans, assign missions tonewly arrived CSS units, adjust the missions of CSSunits already in support, and cross-level supplies andpersonnel. With the integration of each new unit, commandersreevaluate and adjust their logistics priorities.Each time the force expands or contracts, plannersreview facilities and logistics requirements toensure they are adequate to accomplish the mission.Using information provided in the logistics estimate,the logistics system responds to meet the increaseddemands for supplies and services caused bythe expanding force. Both logistics and operationalplanners prepare to meet the increased competition forspace on the battlefield. Units preparing for futuremissions require adequate terrain to train and preparefor combat. Commanders carefully balance sustainingthe force with retaining the initiative, protectingthe force, and preparing for future operations.RECONSTITUTION OPERATIONSAt the strategic level, reconstitution consists ofthose functions and activities required to restore theArmy’s capability to respond to any mission acrossthe full range of possible operations. Strategic reconstitutionrefers to the industrial and mobilization baseof the nation. The Army’s strategic reconstitution dependson the integration of national efforts to restoreits capability to mobilize, deploy, and conduct futureoperations.At the tactical level, reconstitution consists of thereorganization or regeneration of people and equipmentto restore combat capability. Reorganization isrestoring combat effectiveness by cross-leveling assetswithin a unit or by forming a composite (smaller)unit. For example, an attrited battalion could be reorganizedinto two full-strength companies. Reorganizationprovides a means to maintain a level of continuouscombat effectiveness. Regeneration is the rebuildingof a unit in which the mission capability hasbeen reduced or degraded. Normally, the headquarterstwo levels higher is responsible for regeneration.It is accomplished through replacement of personneland equipment, reestablishment of effective C2, andconduct of essential training. During regeneration,consideration should be12-10