To what extent do Logistics get involved in operations?

Question

Is it just a case of making sure that fuel and ammo etc goes to the right place or do they have a more involved role? Thanks!

Answer 1

I've had several back operations and I jolly well hope logistics weren't even remotely involved.

Might explain why they kept going wrong, though!

Answer 2

Depends on the operation and what the expected finish is. If a small covert op then little logistics except for transport of the covert unit to drop and then pickup. Logistics required for the units which support the covert op such as aircraft, recon, ships (which need food, fuel, ammo, toiletries etc).

Basically an army can't move without a full and complete logistics plan in place due to the large amount of equipment, material and other things required to keep the army operating. So food, fuel, toilet items, cooking services, medical services, command and control systems (always moving forward), vehicle maint, communications etc. A lot goes into keeping an army or even just a single small garrison operating. There is a lot of coordination behind the front lines that a lot of people don't know about. Basically a front line of 2500 soldiers takes a backup of another 5000. If overseas this is especially true. Aircrews, aircraft, trucks, truck drivers, warehousemen, maint crews and more.

Not only do they have to make sure that the goods go to the right place when it gets to the front, but the right goods as well. There are lots of examples of supply convoys going astray during the various wars. Some caused problems and others it didn't seem to matter too much.

Answer 3

It's probably true to say that logistics have become increasingly necessary over time, particularly where nations such as the US and the UK deploy highly sphisticated, mechanized, 'equipment-heavy' forces overseas to theatres such as the Balkans, the Middle East and Afghanistan. The more one's forces become mechanized, and dependent upon vehicles and equipment, the more logistic support they require. Logistics is divided into two areas: Combat Support and Combat Services Support. Combat Support primarily involves the Signals, the Royal Engineers and the Army Medical Services, and concerns the creation of infrastructure or provision of servcies during activie combat operations. Combat Services Support is probably what people have in mind when they talk about 'logistics', and involves not only the storage and transport of all kinds of supplies, but also the maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment of all kinds; the construction of basic and advanced living facilities and storage accommodation; the conduct of military administration; the reception and delivery of forces' mail; the provision of pay and allowances, the provision of basic pioneer and labour support; the hire of goods and services, the provision of Provost services (military discipline and traffic control, to name but two) and the provision of spiritual, educational and welfare support for the entire force.

Logisticians can be found in all areas of operations, going from the most remote third-line base areas, right up to the front line. During the Gulf Conflict 1990-91 and the Iraq Conflict of 2003 (the UK's two most recent warfighting operations), the armoured, infantry and artillery units in the area of direct combat were accompanied throughout by detachments from the Royal Signals, the Royal Engineers, the Royal Army Medical Corps, the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, and the Corps which now make up the Royal Logistic Corps (in 1990: the Royal Corps of Transport, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Royal Pioneer Corps, and the Postal & Courier Services of the Royal Engineers).

Without logistics, no modern Army could operate for more than about 48 hours without falling apart. It's absolutely essential to everything an Army does.

Answer 4

John, Logistics is a very important part of the operation. If the combat troops don't have enough bullets or beans, their job will be difficult. If you don't get them all the whiz bang equipment that someone forgot to put on MTOE, it'll be harder. Any soldier can end up in the battle, but the logistical job is to make sure everyone else has the tools needed, rather than go out.

Of course you're still a REMF and I'll harass you for it, but every job in the military is important.

Answer 5

They are there before the operation starts, all the way during it, and are still there after the Op is over and done with.

No logistics, No Op, it's as simple as that

Answer 6

Logistics is the science of planning and carrying out the maintenance of forces. It includes the storage and distribution of material, maintenance of facilities and movement of personnel.

Answer 7

They go hand in glove. Any successful operation requires complete coordination of all elements. If Hitler were still alive you could ask him about his mishandling of logistics in his failed Russia campaign and why he overruled his much more knowledgeable generals.

Answer 8

Mate, in any organisation, logistics are the backbone of ops.

Answer 9

And old military truism:

"Amateurs discuss strategy - professionals discuss logistics."

Answer 10

Can't fight without Bullets, Beans and Bandages. Of in other words supplies are essential.