COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT

LOGISTIC SUPPORT SUMMARY

"Wellington paid the greatest tribute to him (Sir William Beresford) when he declared that if he were removed by death or illness he would recommend Beresford to succeed him, not because he was a great general, but because he alone could 'feed an army'".

The Dictionary of National Biography

Logistic Overview

In the British Army logistic support is based upon the twin pillars of service support (the supply chain) and equipment support (the maintenance of equipment). Combat Service Support within the British Army is provided by the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC), the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) and the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC).

Within any fighting formation units from these Corps typically represent about 30 per cent of the manpower total of a division, and with the exception of certain members of the RAMC all are trained fighting soldiers.

The task of the logistic units on operations is to maintain the combat units in the field which entails:

• Supply and Distribution of ammunition, fuel, lubricants, rations and spare parts.

• Recovery and Repair - of battle damaged and unserviceable equipment.

• Treatment and Evacuation - of casualties.

In an operational division the commanders of the logistic units all operate from a separate, self contained headquarters under the command of a Brigadier (or Colonel) who holds the appointment of the Division's Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS). This headquarters, usually known as the Divisional Headquarters (Rear), co ordinates the whole of the logistic support of the Division in battle.

Supplies, reinforcements and returning casualties pass through an area located to the rear of the division where some of the less mobile logistic units are located. This area is known as the Divisional Admin Area (DAA) and the staff are responsible for coordinating the flow of all materiel and personnel into and out of the Divisional Area.

Logistic Brigades

Three Logistic Formations support HQ Land Forces (Andover):

HQ 101 Logistic Brigade (Aldershot) supports 3 UK Division (Reaction Force).
HQ 102 Logistic Brigade (Grantham) supports 1 UK Division (Adaptable Force).
HQ 104 Logistic Brigade (South Cerney) supports Force Troops.

Details of these three formations are as follows:

 

HQ 104 Logistic Brigade   (South Cerney)
Unit	Role	Location	Affiliated Reserve Unit
17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC	Port & Maritime	Marchwood	165 Port and Enabling Regiment RLC (R) (Plymouth)
29 Regiment RLC	Postal, Courier & Movements	South Cerney	162 Postal & Courier Regiment RLC (R) (Nottingham)
152 Fuel Support Regiment RLC (R)	Reserve Unit	Belfast
167 Catering Support Regiment RLC (R)	Reserve Unit	Grantham
2 Operational Support Group RLC (R)	Reserve Unit	Grantham
101 Battalion REME	Reserve Unit	Wrexham

Logistics within the Army is becoming increasingly complex due to the multi-dimensional threat faced in conflict. Close combat is often needed to achieve the logistic mission and a flexible, highly responsive logistic support network is needed to maintain the momentum for the fighting troops.

Defence does not exclusively use army logistics for the replenishment of our own troops and manoeuvrability to enable our sustainment role to work for others, such as local government and security forces, is becoming increasingly important. The use of the logistic capability to reinforce and assist with local infrastructure issues can be just as vital to winning the battle as the troops closing with the enemy in a more traditional role.