Chapter 12: Logistics

The use of nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) weapons can have an enormous impact on all battlefield operations.1 Not only does the sheer killing and destructive power of these weapons affect the battlefield, but the strategic, operational, psychological, environmental, economic, and political consequences of their use affect strategic campaign plans and operational design.

In response to foreign developments, the OPFOR maintains a capability to conduct chemical, nuclear, and possibly biological warfare. However, it would prefer to avoid the use of NBC weapons by either side--especially nuclear and biological weapons. Both nuclear and biological weapons characteristically have lethal effects over much larger areas than do chemical weapons. The effects of biological weapons can be difficult to localize and to employ in operations without affecting friendly forces; their effects on the enemy can be difficult to predict. Unlike nuclear or biological weapons, chemical agents can be used to affect limited areas of the battlefield. The consequences of chemical weapons use are more predictable and thus more readily integrated into operation plans.

Because chemical employment is more likely than nuclear or biological, this chapter begins by focusing on OPFOR chemical capabilities. Because the OPFOR may also have some nuclear and biological capabilities, these also deserve discussion, despite of the lower probability of their employment. The chapter concludes with discussions of NBC protection and employment of smoke.

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).