ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Chapter 6 6-2 ATP 4-90 18 June 2020 The forward support company headquarters and distribution platoon personnel. Distribution is a continuous, complex operation that requires thorough planning and continual refinement throughout the operation. BSBs execute distribution operations based on supply requirements communicated by brigade units. The BCT and maneuver forces communicate their requirements through logistics status reports and other means, from battalion S-4 and brigade S-4 through the BSB SPO, to the BSB. The maneuver battalions communicate directly with the supporting FSC. See chapter 2 for more information on logistics status reports. The BSB bases distribution decisions on supported units’ priorities and commodity priorities specified by the BSB and BCT commanders as described in the operations order and BCT sustainment concept of support. Logistics units always support the BCT’s priority maneuver force with priority commodities first. METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION In the BCT, distribution builds and maintains combat power through the delivery of supplies, personnel, and equipment to extend the operational reach of maneuver forces, maintain freedom of action, and prolong endurance. Sustainment units select a distribution method appropriate to the mission, tactical situation, the supported unit's priority of support, time/distance, and other factors of mission and operational variables. There are two methods of distribution: Unit distribution. Supply point distribution. Unit Distribution Unit distribution is the routine distribution method the BSB uses to support the BCT. Unit distribution is a method of distributing supplies by which the receiving unit is issued supplies in its own area, with transportation furnished by the issuing agency (FM 4-40). In unit distribution, logisticians organize supplies in configured loads and deliver supplies to one or more central locations. Supply personnel can create unit load configurations to resupply specific battalion, company, or platoon-sized elements depending on the level of distribution needed and mission variables. Unit distribution maximizes the use of the BCT lift capacity of its transportation assets and minimizes the delivery and turnaround time. Supply Point Distribution Supply point distribution is a method of distributing supplies to the receiving unit at a supply point. The receiving unit then moves the supplies to its own area using its own transportation (FM 4-40). Supply point distribution requires unit representatives to move to a supply point to pick up their supplies. Units most commonly execute supply point distribution by means of a LRP. In each method of distribution, there are multiple techniques for the distribution of supplies, personnel, and equipment. Examples of techniques for supply point distribution used by units are— Refuel on the move (ROM). Pre-positioned supplies. Cache. Throughput Distribution Throughput distribution is a method of distribution that bypasses one or more intermediate supply echelons in the supply system to avoid multiple handling (ATP 4-11). The BSB or a DSSB may execute throughput distribution in the BCT’s area of operations when needed. An example of throughput distribution would be the BSB’s distribution company bypasses the FSC to distribute supplies directly to maneuver units. Additionally, a DSSB may distribute supplies from an echelon above brigade SSA to a forward support company, bypassing the BSB. Mission variables are the major considerations for logisticians when deciding whether to utilize throughput distribution.