The PLA at Home and Abroad - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

force, such as food, water and ice, base camp,
and hygiene services in an expeditionary environment.
• Operational Contract Support—Operations
that provide the ability to orchestrate and synchronize
integrated contract support and management
of contractor personnel in a designated
operational area.
Joint Logistics (联合后勤).
China military’s use of the term “Joint logistics”
seems to focus more on staff organization and functions
(and streamlining) than operational capability.
For example, the China Military Logistics Encyclopedia
defines Joint Logistics as “unifying the organization
of the services to implement common logistics
work. Implementing joint logistics avoids duplicate
staffing, organizations and facilities, rationally distributes
manpower, material and financial resources
to support joint operations and joint activities.” 41
Joint logistics support, at this point in China’s
military modernization, appears to be driven by cost
saving, regularization, and reduction of redundant
staffing. It has been limited to managing common use
materials and logistical services needed by the troops,
ensuring that the armed services support function operate
under unified control, while service-unique materials
and services remain under the command and
control of “their organic support systems.” 42
Military material is managed by the military logistics
departments and consists of manufactured products
and other related materials that are used during operations
or for the purpose of troop building. At the strategic
and operational levels, military material support
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