movement and transport branch , the support and sustainment branch and the planning branch in term of interoperability , C2 and doctrine .
The complexity of the logistics design and processes carried out during the exercise forced G4 to conduct logistic rehearsals and to use LOGFAS tools in order to increase the interoperability among the different actors involved within the logistic process .
The goal of the rehearsal was to explain and to comment on the logistic process implemented to share information , to increase communication between the different actors , to achieve a shared understanding and to synchronise logistic efforts . The rehearsal meeting highlighted issues that needed to be improved :
- The need to integrate and to exchange LNOs is particularly effective as they facilitate integration and coordination and foster close contact
- The need to conduct an accurate operation planning process especially during phase 1 ( CPOE ) is mandatory especially IOT have an accurate understanding of the strengths and the weakness of the different Host Nations
By conducting a rehearsal that has been declared as “ best practice to sustain ” by the CREVAL team , the G4 division increased its operational capability and efficiency .
Utilizing LOGFAS
The use of Logistics Functional Area Services ( LOGFAS ) as a common tool for logisticians to understand the strength of NATO forces enhanced our knowledge on NATO force capability and contributed to increase our capability to well sustain our subordinate troops .
Under direction of JFC BRUNSSUM J4 and technical guidance from JWC and NCIA , the Logistics of the four participating CCs – LANDCOM , MARCOM , AIRCOM , and SOCC – plus JLSG developed their own LOGFAS ’ Force Profile &
Holdings ( FP & H ), reflecting the entire strength of the NATO forces that participated in the CAX / CPX . Those FP & Hs , after being integrated into a vast Joint Task FP & H , formed the database used throughout the whole exercise . This database , stored in JWC , could then be remotely accessed by the pertinent Operators , as well as LOG SOs from each Component , JLSG and JTF .
Although LOGFAS was previously exercised in an MJO +, this concept and design was never experimented before , which allowed for a near real-time interaction between the logistical situation ( movement-transportation / sustainment ) and the operational requirements at both CC and Joint levels , albeit the challenges involved .
Due to the robustness of the well-proven software tool-set that LOGFAS compose of and the competence of its operators and managers , the overall performance of the Services was considered excellent , namely in providing the necessary data to LAND- COM ’ s RLP / LC2IS and ultimately to the Joint COP . Effective Visible Execution ( EVE ) and ( Coalition Reception Staging and Onward Movement ) CORSOM were the most used tools during the exercise . MovCC LOGFAS operators ( two NCOs ) were responsible to analyse , coordinate and de-conflict ground movements when required .
EVE provided all essential information about the movements such as departure , arrival location , estimated and actual time arrivals and the colour coded status provide information like departed , planned , booked , pending or arrived .
CORSOM , the functional area system designed to show the RSOM process , was connected directly with JOCWatch being able to follow and visualize the incidents on the map in real time allowing LCC G4 staff to identify what , when and where the movement / incident happened .
One of the most frequent “ challenges ” that LOGFAS operators had to face was giving accurate answer for the question : “ How long does it take ?” and MovCC Ops was always ready to calculate the required time to deploy for of all kind forces .
Conclusion
It can be stated that this was an excellent experience for the G4 Division of HQ LANDCOM . The great cooperation and coordination within HQ LCC was of course essential to fulfil the task . However , the interaction between especially the JLSG , JTF , HN and subunits to plan , coordinate and monitor all land road movements was unique in this MJO + exercise .
Moreover , the intensive and realistic use of Intra Theatre Airlift Support ( ITAS ), Intra Theatre Sealift Support ( ITSS ) and Railway transport , coordinated through JLSG , was a very special experience . All Modes of Transport ( MOT ) were intensively used in a complex scenario with limited infrastructure and extreme geographic and climatic circumstances to move a huge number of LCC troops , stocks and equipment , but at the same time to de-conflict and coordinate the movements of e . g . POWs , refugees and IDPs . The above mentioned provides an impression of the complexity of movements and shows how difficult it is to enable and ensure Freedom of Movement ( FoM ) in the AOO of LCC , therefore NATO is using the LOGFAS M & T tools .
In the present strategic environment , with the deployment of NATO forces requiring rapid movement of personnel , equipment , and materiel across NATO territory highlighted the fact that logistics needs to be implement in a realistic manner , needs to improve interoperability and share information on supplies and sustainment .
16LAND POWER