FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
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Chapter 5 5-2 FM 3-81 09 November 2021 5-4. The MEB must know the— Mission, task organization, and concept of operations for all subordinate battalions and attachments under MEB control. Higher headquarters sustainment plans. Known and anticipated branch plans and sequels. Density of personnel and equipment of each subordinate unit. Known and anticipated enemy situation and capabilities. Capabilities and limitations of subordinate units. Host-nation support and contract capabilities. Size and capabilities of local population civil infrastructure. Capacity and capability of local government and nongovernmental agencies. Cultural considerations in the MEB AO. 5-5. The MEB does not necessarily need to establish a brigade support area. Given the MEB mission, it will typically be collocated with a support battalion providing general support to the MEB and other units in the support area. MEB operations may require split-based sustainment operations. The S-4 may conduct replenishment operations within the MEB support AO or within the AO of a unit that the MEB is supporting. 5-6. Logistics planners must understand the MEB current and projected sustainment capabilities. They use information collected from personnel and logistics reports and operational reports to determine the personnel, equipment, and supply status of each unit within the MEB. They consider the disposition and condition of all supporting sustainment units and individual unit-level capabilities. They analyze this data and the current situation to determine the MEB logistical capabilities and limitations. 5-7. Sustainment planners must anticipate and understand support requirements of a tactical plan or COA. Running estimates are a critical tool for achieving shared understanding. The S-1, surgeon, and S-4 analyze all COAs and modifications to current plans. They assess their sustainment feasibility, identify support requirements, and determine requirements for synchronization. The S-1 and S-4, like the commander, must visualize how the operation will unfold to determine critical requirements for each sustainment element. They consider the requirements for each sustainment element during all phases of an operation. They analyze each COA and consider the— Type and duration of the operation. Task organization, tasks, and sustainment requirements of subordinate forces. Medical and maintenance profile of units to be assigned or attached. Ramifications of tactical operations such as gap (river) crossings, tactical pauses, long movements, preparatory fires, or defenses. Need for special equipment, supplies, or service. Requirements to separate, disassemble, configure, uncrate, or trans-load supplies above normal requirements. Requirements for reconstitution. Required varieties and quantities of all classes of supplies (especially Class III, V, VIII, and IX). Requirements for support of reconnaissance forces, security operations, or deception efforts. Need for Class IV/V obstacle material. Positioning of combat trains and other supporting logistics elements. Casualty numbers and likely locations. Large-scale decontamination operations in support of BCTs or consequence management decontamination operations. Area damage control preparations and response. Minimal essential stability tasks to support the operation.