Sustainment of Army Forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom Battlefield Logistics and Effects on Operations

by Peltz, Eric

• ISBN13: 9780833038067
• ISBN10: 0833038060
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-08-27
• Publisher: RAND Corporation

Summary

Describes how Army forces were sustained with material during Operation Iraqi Freedom, examines how well this support performed, and discusses the effects on operations, with an emphasis o the period from the start of ground combat to the fall of Baghdad.

Table of Contents

Preface	iii
Figures	vii
Tables	ix
Summary	xi
Acknowledgments	xxv
Glossary	xxvii
Setting the Stage	1	(10)
The Debate over Materiel Sustainment Performance	1	(5)
The Success of Major Combat Operations	6	(2)
Distribution Based Logistics	8	(3)
Fuel Sustainment	11	(6)
Fuel Supplies Remained Relatively Robust	11	(1)
Theater Preparatory Tasks	12	(1)
Planning and Resourcing Refuel Operations	13	(4)
Dry Cargo Sustainment	17	(38)
Dry Cargo Distribution During Combat Operations	17	(11)
A Shortfall in Trucks	17	(1)
Distribution Planning	18	(2)
Theater Distribution System Ownership: Potential Deployment Effects	20	(4)
Changes in the Demand for Distribution Assets	24	(1)
Environmental and Other Effects on Distribution Capacity	24	(2)
Limited Distribution Capacity	26	(1)
Keeping Distribution Running: Convoy Support Centers	27	(1)
Situational Awareness and In-Transit Visibility	28	(1)
Supply Levels During Combat Operations	28	(10)
Transportation of Bottled Water	34	(1)
The Supply of Food to the Theater	35	(1)
Ammunition Supply During Combat Operations	36	(2)
Spare Parts Support	38	(12)
Authorized Stockage Lists	38	(3)
On the Move Supply and Maintenance System Signal Connectivity	41	(2)
Effects of CONUS Spare Parts Packaging on Distribution	43	(3)
Theater Distribution Center Startup	46	(2)
Priority Was Given to Food, Water, and Ammunition	48	(1)
Use of Intratheater Air	48	(1)
The Effect of Changes in the Redeployment Plan	49	(1)
Spare Parts Support During Stability Operations	49	(1)
Packaged Petroleum, Oil, and Lubrication Products	50	(1)
Equipment Readiness	51	(3)
Soldier Readiness	54	(1)
The Pause in the Advance at An Najaf	55	(6)
Effects and Implications of Sustainment Performance During OIF	61	(12)
Combat Operations	61	(6)
Stability Operations	67	(1)
Implications for the Future	67	(6)
Requirements of Distributed Operations with Long LOCs	68	(1)
Low Supply Levels in Maneuver Brigades Produced a Strong Sense of Risk	68	(1)
The Criticality of Logistics Situational Awareness	69	(1)
Units Employed a Combat Readiness Standard	70	(1)
Preparing for Uncertainty	70	(3)
Appendix Truck Availability	73	(4)
References	77