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Forward Logistics Element Officer in Charge Lessons Learned
The supply and services offcer of a combat sustainment support battalion (CSSB) is responsible for the management of all classes of supply (minus Class VII and VIII), as well as management of showers, laundry, and clothing repair operations across the battlefield. One CSSB that was located in Al Asad, Iraq, was responsible for all general support and direct support of customers that included Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Forces (SOF), and the Iraqi Army multinational forces in the whole west area of operations. That is a very large footprint. During Operation Sayid and the first Iraqi elections, a small command operating post named Rawah was established near the Syrian border. This was in the CSSB’s battle space and the supply organization was charged with setting up and supporting a very small common operations platoon located in a remote and austere location. The CSSB supply and services officer was sent forward to support US military personnel that would be operating in this area. Later another requirement for the same kind of support came for the city of Hit. Again, the CSSB supply offcer was relocated to support the Marine Corps and then later Task Force, SOF, and Iraqi Army forces.

This kind of duty can have its own peculiar diffculties, so here are a few tips on some of the things one might face if they find themselves assuming the duties of a forward logistics element (FLE) officer in charge (OIC). Many of the situations discussed are not found in doctrine and Soldiers often found solutions through trial and error. These actions eventually helped the support of customers as well as made life for Soldiers a lot easier.

Communication Systems

If you are separated from your flagpole (CSSB), the most important thing to have operating is communication. Success in Iraq depends largely on the daily communication between the battalion and the supply officer. Communication with the battalion and the FLE is not always dedicated. The Marines operated on a different secure internet protocol router network (SIPRNET) than the battalion and it was often diffcult to make contact. It is vital that the FLE supply officer have a dedicated line of communication for adequate support. In order to communicate, the supply officer may have to use the movement tracking system as a means of communication. If it is determined that a FLE is needed, it is vital to establish a concrete means of communication prior to sending the element forward. A good recommendation for austere locations is to have a satellite phone available. It can be a great lifeline. Another good recommendation is to have your S6 channels determine what type of line your supported customer has. In one example a Marine customer only had SIPRNET channels. The supply officer supporting the Marines had to establish an account with the Marine Corps unit before being able to communicate with the battalion via SIPRNET. Although it only took a few days to establish an account, it would have been easier to already have one before getting on the ground.

Taking Over a Class I Stockpile

It is not always easy to provide initial support to units once on the ground. An FLE OIC may lack knowledge of what is on hand in the Class I yard or the serviceability of rations. One such Class I yard did not have enough people on hand in order to dedicate the time it took to accurately monitor rations. Class I material would be delivered to the forward operating base (FOB) and unloaded, but not accurately accounted for. Rations were not stored in a secure location, so rations were sometimes pilfered. This in turn caused an inaccurate accounting of rations. When the new FLE team arrived, they inventoried all rations, obtained connexes to secure them in, and maintained an accurate count of what was on hand once the logistics packages were
delivered. Initially it was a lot of hard work sorting the rations and determing what was still usable stock, but once the yard was organized, it was easy to maintain. It helped the operation to have dedicated 92Gs (Food Service Specialists) on hand in order to organize rations and maintain them at the site. Transporting Bottled Water Due to rough terrain and poor roads, water would sometimes arrive at austere locations in bad shape. It could not be downloaded with a forklift. Soldiers had to unload multiple pallets of water by hand slowing convoy turn-around time. The battalion tried several different methods of transporting the water and found that transporting water in connexes that were blocked and braced proved to be the best method. It limited the amount of space and number of pallets, but helped solve the problem. Ensuring that pallets were not stacked higher than four high and were topped with black toppers (like those on multi-pack boxes) and ratchet strapping securely when traveling on flatbed or on a palletized load system also prevented problems.

Maintenance Support

It is critical that materiel handling equipment (MHE) and rough terrain cargo handlers are available at forward locations for both the FLE and the supported customer. It is also vital that there are dedicated operators for each piece of equipment. There is little time for on-the-job training when you are in the middle of the fight. Have at least one dedicated operator/maintainer on hand for each piece of required MHE, two dedicated operators/ maintainers would be ideal in the instance that one piece of equipment goes down. Try having a maintenance support team available. Also, a 63J (Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer) on hand will not only fix equipment but also anything else that breaks down. Operations run well with an entire maintenance support team (MST) dedicated to the FLE. The MST must be composed of a heavy wheel mechanic, a welder, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic, MHE mechanic, and a Unit Level Logistics System-Ground (ULLS-G) operator. Where this is not available there needs to be at least one dedicated mechanic that is knowledgeable on MHE. It is also highly recommended to have a dedicated very small aperture terminal to handle transfer protocol from ULLS-G to Standard Army Maintenance System-1 Enhanced to ensure parts are ordered and received in a timely manner.

Finally, outstanding Soldiers who work hard and are dedicated to their mission can accomplish almost anything. Being an S1 and then a supply and services officer during conflict can teach one more in a year than some individuals learn during a whole career. These tips are offered to help make your deployed life a lot easier.