Dominant Logistics
Putting It All Together
Now that we have covered all of the particulars, let's take a look at how this system functions in actual practice. The type of scenario is really immaterial - the system functions in the same manner regardless of mission.
Strategic Deployment Stream
When the orders come down for a deployment, the first step is the establishment of a Strategic Deployment Stream. Here, we identify the locations to which we are going to deploy a force and the force is moved to these positions by transport assets from Tier I and Tier II. We are intentionally eliminating prepositioning of Tier I and Tier II assets so that they will be properly maintained and ready to deploy and function at all times. All Tier I and Tier II materials should be deploying from CONUS.
Strategic Sustainment Stream
Log Bases will be located either at the positions to which the force is deploying or to nearby locations where they can support the deployed force. A Strategic Sustainment Stream is established between CONUS and these forward locations using Tier III transport assets to deliver the constant supply of materials necessary to support the force. Time critical missions are met by spare Tier I and Tier II resources.
To fill the time gap that will exist between the establishment of the Strategic Deployment Stream and the establishment of the Strategic Sustainment Stream, Tier III supplies can be prepositioned at key locations where we currently preposition combat equipment. Deployment systems will deliver their personnel and materials to the theater and then bring in Tier III materials from prepositioned stocks. Unlike spare tanks and artillery, stockpiles of food, water, and lumber require little maintenance and are not political problems for allies to hold in areas abroad. By focusing on prepositioning of Tier III materials, we can hold materials in stockpiles in a vast array of locations throughout the world at virtually no cost.
The Logistics Net
From our Log Bases, men and materials are delivered to anywhere in the theater by Tier I and Tier II transports that are already in theater having deployed the original force. A Logistics Net is cast over the theater allowing any forces within that theater to receive their supplies and support from any of the Log Bases established in the theater. For example, a typical Army ground unit may receive a pallet of supplies either by 1) overland transport by Army TSVs, 2) airdropped by Air Force C-130, 3) delivered by JTR from a Navy ship, 4) amphibious delivery by Army or Marine amphibious TSVs or HEMTT ducks, or 5) driven overland by Logistics Corps PLS trucks.
Tier III
Tier III defines what is essentially a global infrastructure that makes actions abroad possible. It is the physical network of food, water, and other essential materials that all actions aborad require. It is the digital infrastructure to make global communications possible. It is a collection of assets to provide the services that the deployed force will require including computer data, visual data, GPS, and other services. When people talk about netcentric warfare, Tier III is the network in both the physical and digital realms into which units "plug in" to engage in activities abroad.
Tier II
Tier II is the materials and systems to support the individual organizations that make up the collective force. It is what allows the organization to function as a unit. The myriad of organizational level logistics functions are performed by teams of specially trained Combat Technicians. Unit materials are delivered by palletized systems to fulfill all sustainment needs during deployment.
Tier I
Tier I is the support activities that enable to members of the organizations to engage in the missions deemed necessary whether it be war, peacekeeping, OOTW, or other actions. Each squad and/or section has a Combat Technician NCO to ensure maximum capability of the team and the overall force. Personnel are sustained during deployment through the use of log packs to supply food, water, ammunition, and hygiene items.
Miscellaneous
Any other needs that arise, as well as support for special operations, come from specialized small unit support systems in the form of COTS aircraft and ground vehicles.