Campaign Planning for Logistics Organizations

With the transition from the Army of Excellence logistics structure to the single logistics command and control of the modular force logistics concept, the traditional command relationship between logistics organizations and the maneuver forces that they support have changed. With all logistics organizations above the Brigade Support Battalions being assigned to the Theater Support Command or Expeditionary Support Command, sustainment brigades may be assigned elements of multiple divisions to support, resulting in conflicting support priorities. Combined with the characteristics of the contemporary operational environment, this change in command relationships dictates a new approach to planning for logistics support for maneuver campaigns. TRADOC Pamphlet 525-5-500 describes campaign a campaign planning methodology intended for use by a Joint Task Force headquarters or higher. This monograph adapts those concepts and incorporates elements of Joint and Army planning processes, to apply to a sustainment brigade operating on an area support basis for a division size element. Through a process of commander's appreciation, campaign design, and finally campaign planning, logistics commanders can develop effective campaign plans that provide the optimum level of support to the maneuver commanders both during individual phases or operations and for the duration of the campaign. Once completed, the logistics campaign plan serves as the basis for planning support for individual operations while still considering the long term needs of the supported commanders. Only through a detailed analysis of the campaign planning process can commanders develop a well integrated support plan for the assigned maneuver organization which provides continuous support and maintains sufficient flexibility to support both expected and unexpected changes in the maneuver campaign.