ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download

Brigade Support Area 18 June 2020 4-13 Considerations as to why a BSB would displace and reestablish the BSA—  Lines of communication stretched where FSCs could no longer support their maneuver battalions with a local haul.  Lack of ability to execute planned and emergency LOGPAC from BSA to combat trains and return in one trip.  Distance away from its supporting DSSB where DSSB could not support the BSB with a local haul LOGPAC.  Inability for the BSB to provide uninterrupted support to the BCT and changing operational requirements.  Persistent chemical threat to the BSA.  Continued degradation of logistics capability due to enemy indirect fire.  Inability of the field maintenance company to provide additional field-level maintenance and recovery support to the FSCs.  Degradation of FSC combat power, necessitating additional throughput from the BSB distribution company.  Ground lines of communication make ambulance exchange point operations difficult to execute in a timely fashion. The BSB commander, with close coordination from the BCT commander and BCT S-3, determines when to displace the BSA. Both commanders and staff understand how the displacement of the base will disrupt BCT support operations and medical care. The disruption may be in terms of time, capability, or a combination of both. The BSB S-3 ensures the displacement of the BSB is coordinated with all supported units, subordinate units, and supporting units. The BSB SPO may coordinate for the DSSB to provide reinforcing support to BCT units during the BSB displacement. The BSB makes all units, and most importantly the supported BCT, aware of when support operations will cease at the existing BSB base location, the location of the new BSB base, when operations will begin at the new BSB base site, and location of a forward logistics element (FLE) supporting the displacement. A forward logistics element is comprised of task-organized multifunctional logistics assets designed to support fast-moving offensive operations in the early phases of decisive action. When displacing the BSB, an FLE enables the BSB to continue uninterrupted support to the BCT while relocating. See chapter 5 for more information about FLE operations. When establishing an FLE commanders should consider security requirements for the element. Considerations include the number of personnel, types of weapon systems required for security, and the impact this has on BSB operational area security. Another FLE consideration is the impact its vehicle/transportation composition has on BSB convoy operations. The BSB CP is responsible for ensuring the shift to the new support base is coordinated with the sustainment brigade and all supported units. The BSB must direct resupply operations to the new BSA at the right time, and units must know where the new BSA and resupply points are and when to begin using them. Supported units must recognize that the BSB’s support operations degrade while the elements of the BSB move to a new location. To minimize support disruption, BSB elements move in echelons. The echeloning of sustainment capabilities is especially critical for Role 2 coverage, which the BSMC typically moves with the BSB while displacing. An echelon approach to medical coverage helps to ensure there is a limited reduction of medical support to the brigade during the displacement. Brigade planners should ensure careful consideration to the timing of the displacement of the BSA, employment of an FLE, Role 2 capability and coverage, and composition of the FLE to ensure the BSB maintains adequate support throughout the transition. The BSB does not have sufficient organic transportation assets to move 100% of its personnel and organic equipment in one lift. Other elements located in the BSA also lack sufficient transportation. This lack of organic BSB transportation may necessitate the further echeloning of sustainment capabilities during displacement. Additionally, downloaded supplies at BSB supply points and disabled equipment at the field maintenance company’s MCP place additional demands on transportation. Disabled equipment the field maintenance company cannot repair immediately may need to wait for evacuation to the new BSB site. The ATP 4-90