Introduction To Logistics: Process of Planning and Executing The Sustainment

INTRODUCTION TO LOGISTICS
1. Definition
Logistics is the process of planning and executing the

sustainment of forces in support of military operations. It encompasses the
organization, procedures and principles together with the equipment,
materials and facilities needed to organize, train and equip military forces
for the conduct of prompt and sustained combat operations; support to
national development programs, inter- agency operations and operations
other than war.
2. Goal
The goal of logistics is to support the continuous conduct of

security operation and timely crises response during rescue, relief and
rehabilitation operation. At tactical level, it focuses on the traditional
functions of providing the soldier and his unit the required sustainment
and the capability to move, shoot and communicate.
3. Principles of Logistics
To effectively manage the pillars of the logistics system,

logisticians must understand and apply certain fundamental principles of
logistics as follows:
a. Impetus from the rear. This means that combat service

support is provided to the echelon as far as the tactical situation permits. It
means pushing supplies from the rear areas to the end-user. In as much as
the logistics resources are scarce, combat service support resources
support forces that contribute the most to the overall mission, for the
greatest good and the greatest number.
b. Logistics Intelligence. Commanders must have accurate
and timely logistics information in order to provide effective logistics
support.
c. Objective. Logistics endeavors must be directed
towards a clear and attainable objective.
d. Generative Logistics. The professional application of
initiative, knowledge and ingenuity and the innovative exploration of
technical and scientific advances are fundamental to the generation of
logistics system improvement.
e. Interdependence. Logistics system efficiency requires
effective inter-relationship among all the functional parts of the system.
f. Simplicity. Simplicity is essential at all levels of the
logistics system.
g. Timeliness. Logistics support must be provided in the
right quantity at the proper time and place for the accomplishment of the
mission.
h. Cost – effectiveness. Efficient management of the
logistics resources is essential to cost-effective logistics support.
i. Security. Security of every facet of logistics system
must be maintained to preserve resources and insure sustained combat
capability.
5. Functional Areas of Logistics
The functional areas of logistics are linked together by

operating systems, procedures and concepts. The most successful plan
considers the application of these pillars, the product of which when
combined, balanced, produced and delivered effectively supports the
operating forces.
a. Supply. It involves the systematic coordination between

the user, the supply units and the materiel management system. Key
functions of supply includes requirement determination, flow of requisition,
storage and stock control, distribution and disposal. It also include
techniques whereby demands for an item of supply are balanced against
the assets of the item through a system of reporting, computation and
evaluation.
b. Transportation. Transportation services in support of
military tactical and administrative movements from one point to another at
the least time and cost. Transportation management includes the
monitoring of available vehicles and their capacity in terms of volume and
weight. This ensures immediate and efficient response and service to the
request for transportation. The function involves determining the
transportation requirements, processing of request through preparation
and approval of directives and periodic monitoring to maintain
serviceability of vehicles.
c. Maintenance. All actions taken to retain materiel in
serviceable condition and operational status aimed to promote operation
readiness whenever there is a need for equipment, tools, supplies and
facilities. In all levels of maintenance, the main goal is to provide available
logistics in good working condition at the right time and the right place. It
includes restoration of materiel into serviceable condition or upgrading its
functional utility through appropriate modifications deemed necessary.
d. Facilities and Installation. This function includes
planning, acquisition, construction, maintenance and disposition of real
estate properties. It provides evaluation of technical and financial viability
of the project classified as facilities. Facilities of installation are significant
because of their wide distribution of money value and their basic
importance to the unit. They are crucial to the overall logistics management
because of their impact to administrative and operational system of the
unit.
e. Other Logistics Services. This function is geared
towards providing combat service support involving food, finance,
commissaries, clothing, health care, water support, laundry and bath, legal,
postal, mortuary and other services.
2. Characteristics of Logistics
Successful logistics must be both effective and efficient.

Logistics operations are not successful unless they provide effective
support. Scarce resources require logistics operations to be efficient.
Effectiveness, however, cannot be handicapped by efficiency. These two
aspects of logistics are balanced to provide the foundation for successful
logistics operations.
The five (5) characteristics of logistics facilitate effective and

efficient logistics operations. Commanders and logisticians anticipate
requirements. They integrate logistics concepts and operations with
strategic, operational and tactical plans. Logistics operations and systems
must be responsive to the commander and must provide continuous
support to forward deployed units. They apply to war and operations other
than war.
a. Anticipation. Foremost among the characteristics is

anticipation. Accurate anticipation of requirements can enhance both the
agility of the force and its ability to seize and to retain the initiative and
synchronize activities in depth. Though no one can predict the exact
course of events, future logistics demands must be estimated as
accurately as possible. Anticipation means identifying, accumulating and
maintaining the assets and information necessary to support operations at
the right time and places. Anticipation also means developing logistics
capabilities that are versatile and mobile enough to accommodate likely
operational and tactical events. Logistics planners should anticipate
requirements in order to push the right support forward; this minimizes the
need for improvisation in the area of operations. Anticipation requires
constant coordination between the operations and logistics staff.
b. Integration. Tactical and operational success depend on
fully integrated concepts of logistics and operations. Integration during
planning ensures support of operations during execution. Logistics
capabilities often affect the feasibility of a concept of operations.
c. Continuity. Any interruption in logistics operations
diminishes the combat power of a force. During operations, committed
forces require continuous supply and service support to sustain their
fighting strength and agility. Continuity of support is the lifeblood of
operations at all levels.
d. Responsiveness. The logistics system must react
rapidly in crises. Moreover, seldom will requirements for units and supplies
be known. Logistics commanders and staffs must adapt units to
requirements, often in short notice. Tailoring organizations will be the rule.
Responsive logistics, especially when other resources are constrained,
relies greatly on assured communications and automation networks.
e. Improvisation. Improvisation is the talent to make,
invent, arrange, or fabricate what is needed out of what is in hand.
Successful logistics operations adapt to changing situations. Improvised
methods and supply sources can maintain logistics continuity when
standard procedures fail.

Introduction To Logistics: Process of Planning and Executing The Sustainment

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction To Logistics: Process of Planning and Executing The Sustainment

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Introduction To Logistics: Process of Planning and Executing The Sustainment

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

INTRODUCTION TO LOGISTICS

Logistics is the process of planning and executing the

The goal of logistics is to support the continuous conduct of

To effectively manage the pillars of the logistics system,

a. Impetus from the rear. This means that combat service

5. Functional Areas of Logistics

The functional areas of logistics are linked together by

a. Supply. It involves the systematic coordination between

Successful logistics must be both effective and efficient.

The five (5) characteristics of logistics facilitate effective and

a. Anticipation. Foremost among the characteristics is

You might also like