Logistics Planning for Tactical Operations

Logistics planning is often the limiting factor in operational design — not tactics. A unit can plan the perfect maneuver, but if it runs out of fuel, ammunition, or water on the objective, the mission fails. The logistics plan is not an annex to the OPORD; it is as essential as the concept of operations.

The S4's Role in Planning

The S4 (Logistics Officer) participates from the beginning of the planning process — not after the COA is selected. During METT-TC analysis, the S4 assesses:

• How much fuel does each COA consume?
• What ammunition load is required for the expected engagement?
• What is the CASEVAC timeline from each objective to the nearest surgical capability?
• Where does the LOGPAC link up with maneuver elements and when?

Classes of Supply Planning

Class I — Food and Water

Calculate consumption by person-day. For sustained operations:

• 3 MREs per soldier per day (or local procurement plan)
• Water: minimum 1 liter/hour during high-activity periods in heat
• Pre-position water at patrol bases; plan LOGPAC re-water timing

Class III — Fuel

Calculate by vehicle type and distance. Add 25% for planning factor. Identify:

• FARP location (Forward Arming and Refueling Point) for aviation
• Ground LOGPAC fuel for vehicle re-supply at tactical assembly areas
• What happens if a vehicle breaks down and needs a fuel transfer?

Class V — Ammunition

The ACE report drives class V requests. Before the operation:

• Establish the basic load (standard authorized ammunition per soldier/crew)
• Calculate the combat load required for this specific operation (expected contact intensity, duration, terrain)
• Pre-position pre-positioned ammunition at the ORP or combat trains for immediate resupply

LOGPAC Planning

Build the LOGPAC schedule around the maneuver timeline:

1. Identify supply points: Where does the LOGPAC link up with maneuver elements? (Combat Trains, Field Trains, or forward cache)
2. Time the LOGPAC: When do maneuver elements have a lull sufficient to receive supplies without disrupting the mission?
3. Route the LOGPAC: What MSR does the LOGPAC use? What is the ASR if MSR is closed?
4. Protect the LOGPAC: What security accompanies the convoy? What QRF responds if attacked?
5. Confirm receipt: How does the maneuver element report LOGPAC received to the TOC?

Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) Planning

Every operation requires a CASEVAC plan integrated into the logistics paragraph:

• Point of injury care: Who provides immediate care? (CLS-trained soldier, medic)
• Collection point: Where do casualties move from the point of injury? (casualty collection point on the terrain plan)
• Evacuation route: What route does the CASEVAC vehicle take? Is it on the terrain plan?
• Receiving facility: What is the next echelon of care? (BAS, FST, Role 2)
• Request authority: Who can request a 9-Line MEDEVAC? (Squad leader and above)
• MEDEVAC asset: What rotary-wing asset is available? What is its strip alert time?

Equipment Maintenance

The S4 and maintenance officer coordinate:

• Deadline tracking: Non-mission-capable vehicles are tracked daily; decisions about towing vs. recovery are made before the operation
• PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services): All equipment confirmed green before movement
• Repair parts: Critical repair parts (tires, batteries, filters) pre-positioned at the combat trains

Logistics in the OPORD

Logistics is addressed in OPORD Paragraph 4: Sustainment. This paragraph must specify:

• Service support: who provides what logistics and at what echelon
• Medical evacuation: CASEVAC chain, MEDEVAC assets, blood type locations
• Personnel: how to handle EPW, non-combatants, stragglers
• Maintenance: recovery plan, contact team locations

Integration in Dark Dot

Mark LOGPAC link-up points, combat trains locations, and CASEVAC collection points as objectives on the terrain plan. Assign the logistics team as responsible unit. Track supply route status using MSR/ASR route features.