Page 59 - NAVAL SCIENCE 3 TEXTBOOK

64 NAVA L KN OWLED G E

unit 1) that apply to all types of combat, there are certain princi-
ples of logistics that come into play in logistics planning at all lev-
els. These are

Responsiveness-providing the right support at the right
time, at the right place
Sinlplicity-avoiding unnecessary complexity in preparing,
planning, and conducting logistic operations
Flexibility-adapting logistic support to changing conditions
Economy--employing logistic support assets effectively
Attainability-acquiring the minimum essential logistics sup-
port to begin combat operations
Sustainability-providing logistics support for the duration of
the operation
Navy construction battalion rapid response vehicles provide support
Survivability--ensuring that the logistic infrastructure sur- for an overland logistics mission near Ramadi during Operation Iraqi
vives in spite of degradation and battle damage Freedom. (Michael Lavender)
Within the Department of the Navy, logistics planning is the
responsibility of the operational commander, who must ensure
The products of these SL,{ functional areas, when properly
that his or her logistics experts coordinate aLI operational and
taken into account in the commander's operational planning, pro-
logistical plans.
vide effective logistics support to the operating forces.
When given a mission, the commander's planning staff ana-
lyzes the situation, developing and proposing several possible alter-
Elements of Logistics
native courses of action. The commander then selects fi·om these
the one he or she judges most likely to succeed. In many cases, Within each of the functional areas described above, there are
logistics limitations and plans will become the deciding factor. four elements of logistics that come into play. These are as follows:

Acquisition. This element pertains to procurement of com-
Functional Areas of Logistics
modities, such as food, petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL),
All logistics plans take into account six functional areas: and repair parts;facilities, such as buildings and piers; ord-
nance, like missiles, ammunition, and mines; and major
Supply-includes design, procurement, contracting, receipt,
weapons and end itell1s, such as ships, aircraft, and elec-
storage, inventory control, and issuance of end items (ships,
tronic systems. For the Navy the principal acquisition orga-
planes, tanks, etc.), spare parts, and consumables
nizations are the various systems commands, the Defense
Maintenance-actions necessary to preserve, repair, and Logistics Agency (DLA), the General Services Administration
ensure continued operation and effectiveness of equipment, (GSA), and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command
both afloat and ashore (NAYFACENGCOM).
Transportation-the movement of units, personnel, equip- Distribution. This element concerns the methods used to get
ment, and supplies fi·om the point of origin to the final logistics support to the operating forces, taking into account
destination what is being moved, its origin and destination, the Lift assets
available, and the urgency assigned. A single unified com-
Engineering-the construction, damage repair, combat engi-
mand, the U.S. Transportation Command, is in overall charge
neering, and maintenance of facilities
of strategic transportation for all U.S. armed services. For
Health services-the provision of medical and dental sup- deployed forces, some 90 percent of all strategic lift is done by
plies, blood and blood products, and facilities and services in civilian-crewed ships of the Navy's Military Sealift Command.
both combat and noncombat environments High-priority cargo, mail, and passengers are transported
by strategic airlift provided by the Air Force's Air Mobility
Other services-the provision of administrative and person-
Command. Once in theater, further transportation is pro-
nel support to operational forces, including record keeping, ,
vided by combat logistic force ships that operate with the
disbursing, food services, and legal services
operating forces, and by boats, vehicles, and aircraft belonging
to the deployed forces.