ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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18 June 2020 ATP 4-90 6-1 Chapter 6 Distribution Operations Distribution is a critical aspect of sustainment whose main purpose is to ensure the adequate resupply of maneuver forces at all times. It builds and maintains combat power and provides the Army its operational reach. Distribution is the integration of the logistics functions of transportation and supply. This chapter provides an overview of distribution fundamentals at the BCT level and describes the role, organization, and operations of the BSB’s distribution company, forward support companies, and other units that provide distribution support to the BCT. DISTRIBUTION MANAGEMENT PROCESS 6-1. Distribution management is a process that includes materiel management, distribution integration, and transportation operations functions. The BSB SPO section executes all three of these functions to ensure timely and effective distribution. The process begins with supply planning and ends when an item is issued to a user. BSB materiel management personnel determine and validate BCT supply requirements, (by commodity, quantity and priority) obtain supplies, and coordinate distribution according to command priorities. BSB transportation operations managers maintain status of the BCT transportation routes and available transportation assets in the distribution company and forward support companies. BSB distribution integrators use this information to integrate transportation assets available with the forecasted supply requirements to develop the distribution plan for the BCT. The BSB SPO section coordinates the distribution plan with the BSB S-3 for execution. The materiel management component of the distribution process is executed by these subordinate elements of the BSB: The BSB SPO section personnel, SPO officer, medical logistics officer, ammunition officer, supply management officer, ammunitions logistics sergeant, and petroleum supply sergeant. The distribution company, though not specifically a materiel management organization, executes materiel management functions necessary to allow timely distribution of supplies. The personnel in the distribution company that execute materiel management functions include the company operations officer, the supply platoon leader, supply platoon systems technician, supply platoon materiel control and accounting personnel, general supply and class V section personnel, MTHP section personnel, fuel and water platoon leader and platoon sergeant, the fuel and water platoon class II and water section personnel. The field maintenance company’s maintenance control section personnel. The medical company brigade medical supply section personnel. The forward support company headquarters and distribution platoon personnel. Within the BSB, the transportation operations and distribution integration functions are combined and executed by transportation personnel in the SPO section. The BSB SPO section does not have branches or specific personnel dedicated to execute each function. In addition, the number of personnel in the distribution and forward support companies that execute transportation and integration functions is limited. The transportation operations and distribution integration functions are executed by these subordinate elements of the BSB: The BSB SPO section personnel; SPO officer, transportation officer, movements supervisor, and the transportation management NCO. The distribution company operations officer, transportation platoon leaders, transportation platoon sergeants, and transportation platoon dispatchers.