Medical Logistics - Army Logistics University - U.S. Army

information within a commander’s area of interest tailored
to the user’s requirements and based on common
data and information shared by more than one command.”
Similarly, an LCOP is a single and identical
accounting of the logistics capabilities, requirements,
and shortfalls in an area of operations shared between the
supporting and supported elements. The LCOP allows
the supporting elements to determine unit capabilities,
forecast logistics requirements, synchronize logistics
movements, and publish information that improves situational
awareness at multiple echelons of support.
6
Many Army terms formerly reserved
solely for the tactical field
now have logistics equivalents.
Supply convoys are now potential
combat convoys because modern
logisticians cannot expect to operate
in the rear battlespace
and deliver supplies forward
as their predecessors did.
Contemporary logistics operations require that use
of the LCOP be integrated into and support the COP.
The tiered areas of interest (meaning combat zones, or
“hotspots”) on the multilinear battlefield in the Middle
East have led to greater emphasis on increasing the
combat skills of sustainment Soldiers. Many Army
terms formerly reserved solely for the tactical field
now have logistics equivalents. Supply convoys are
now potential combat convoys because modern logisticians
cannot expect to operate in the rear battlespace
and deliver supplies forward as their predecessors did.
Modern logisticians consider every combat support
mission in Iraq and Afghanistan a deliberate tactical
movement through unforgiving, hostile territory.
Correspondingly, logisticians realize the increased
need to incorporate tactical considerations into their
planning process through the development of their
own COP, the LCOP. This means that the operation
of the BSB tactical operations center (TOC) must be
aligned in a manner that “fuses” the key information
and planning cells. This TOC fusion cell must
be efficient, effective, and simple enough to function
throughout continuous operations. The BSB SPO, S–2,
and S–3 officers, along with the BCT S–4, assemble in
a directed logistics targeting meeting to address current
and future mission capabilities, shortfalls, and requirements.
The logistics targeting meeting synchronizes the
brigade’s logistics effort with its tactical mission and
includes the brigade-level maintenance meeting.
The Daily LOGSTAT
Observer-controllers at NTC have noted a trend
toward low frequency of submission of LOGSTAT
or forward operating base logistics (FOBLOG) status
reports by brigades training at NTC. Many reasons
are behind this trend, ranging from conflicting
mission requirements and communications network
issues to sheer noncompliance by BSB-supported
units. Noncompliance with the established battle
rhythm is often directly related to the supported units’
lack of confidence in, or inexperience with, their supporting
BSB or a general lack of trust in the supply
system. [“Battle rhythm” refers to a deliberate daily
cycle of command, staff, and unit activities intended
to synchronize current and future operations.]
However, just as Department of the Army Form
5988–E, Equipment Inspection Maintenance Worksheet,
is the starting point of the entire maintenance
support process, the LOGSTAT report is the feeder
for the visibility, forecasting, and execution of the sustainment
mission. It is not just a logistician’s tool but
also a friendly force information requirement (FFIR),
which is “information the commander and staff need to
understand the status of friendly force and supporting
capabilities,” as defined in FM 3–0.
Before logistics planning can begin, the organic and
nonorganic units supported by the BSB must submit
accurate information on the status of commodities.
Consequently, the LOGSTAT report must be detailed
enough to be an effective tool but also easy enough for
everyone to use and understand. The LOGSTAT report
should be standardized across the using units and should
follow a format that allows its transmission through a
system that does not require line-of-sight communications.
To ensure that multiple transmission methods are
available to prevent the disruption of the information
flow, units should develop a primary, alternate, contingency,
and emergency communication plan.
Once the LOGSTAT format is determined, a good
data-transfer battle rhythm must be established to develop
a good LCOP. A thorough communications exercise
(COMMEX) should be conducted before the information
management systems are actually used; this will
allow the command to identify and resolve issues while
building user confidence in the stability of the signal
officer’s communication plan. Coupling the COMMEX
with a good data-transfer rehearsal helps to establish the
brigade standard with each participating unit.
A good data-transfer battle rhythm facilitates the
collection of accurate and timely information from
supported units by maintaining the principles of
flexibility, sustainability, and ease of use. A flexible
battle rhythm responds to changing mission effects
and new logistics requirements. A sustainable battle
rhythm is synchronized with the scheduled logistics
NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2008