Chapter 12: Logistics

Operational logistics links strategic-level logistics resources with the tactical level of logistics, thus creating the conditions for effective sustainment of a combat force. It covers the support activities required to sustain campaigns and major operations. A dependable logistics system helps commanders seize and maintain the initiative. Operational maneuver and the exploitation of operational or tactical success often hinge on the adequacy of logistics and the ability of the force to safeguard its critical lines of communication (LOCs), materiel, and infrastructure.

Operational logistics normally supports campaigns and provides theater- wide logistics support, generally over a period of months. Operational logisticians coordinate the allocation and distribution of resources within the area of responsibility (AOR). They interface with tactical-level logisticians in order to determine shortfalls and communicate these shortfalls back to the strategic logistics complex to support operational priorities. Operational logisticians coordinate the flow of strategic capabilities within the theater based on the commander’s priorities.

Preparedness

Due to the proliferation of NBC weapons, the OPFOR must anticipate their use, particularly the employment of chemical weapons. OPFOR planners believe that the best solution is to locate and destroy enemy NBC weapons and their supporting infrastructure before the enemy can use them against OPFOR troops or the State. In case this fails and it is necessary to continue combat operations despite the presence of contaminants, the OPFOR has developed and fielded a wide range of NBC detection and warning devices, individual and collective protection equipment, and decontamination equipment.

Multiple Options

Force modernization has introduced a degree of flexibility previously unavailable to combined arms commanders. It creates multiple options for the employment of forces at strategic, operational, and tactical levels with or without the use of NBC weapons. Many of the same delivery means available for NBC weapons can also be used to deliver precision weapons that can often achieve desired effects without the stigma associated with NBC weapons.

The OPFOR might use NBC weapons either to deter aggression or as a response to an enemy attack on the State. It has surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) capable of carrying nuclear, chemical, or biological warheads. Most OPFOR artillery is capable of delivering chemical munitions, and most systems 152-mm and larger are capable of firing nuclear rounds. Additionally, the OPFOR could use aircraft systems and cruise missiles to deliver an NBC attack. The State has also trained special-purpose forces (SPF) as alternate means of delivering NBC munitions packages. The threat of using any or all of these means to deliver NBC weapons is an intimidating factor that the State can use against potential regional and/or extraregional adversaries.

Targeting

The OPFOR considers the following targets to be suitable for the em- ployment of NBC weapons:

• NBC delivery means and their supply structure.
• Precision weapons.
• Prepared defensive positions.
• Reserves and troop concentrations.
• Command and control (C2); reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA); and communications centers.
• Key air defense sites.
• Logistics installations, especially port facilities.
• Airfields the OPFOR does not intend to use immediately.

Enemy NBC delivery means (aircraft, artillery, missiles, and rockets) normally receive the highest priority. The suitability of other targets depends on the OPFOR’s missions, the current military and political situation, and the NBC weapons available for use.

Staff Responsibility

On the functional staff of an operational-level headquarters (such as an OSC), the chief of WMD is responsible for planning the offensive use of WMD, including NBC weapons. (See the subsections on Release under Chemical Warfare, Nuclear Warfare, and Biological Warfare below.) The WMD staff element advises the command group and the primary and secondary staff on issues pertaining to NBC employment. The WMD element receives liaison teams from any subordinate or supporting units that contain WMD delivery means.

NBC defense comes under the chief of force protection. The force protection element of the functional staff may receive liaison teams from any subordinate or supporting chemical defense units.3 However, those units can also send liaison teams to other parts of the staff, as necessary (including, for example, the chief of reconnaissance).