INTRODUCTION
In any major conflict, the anticipated tonnage associated with bulk petroleum products will account for over
50 percent of the total tonnage shipped into a theater of operations. The petroleum distribution system must
be flexible enough to meet the changing priorities of a fluid battlefield and reallocate resources as necessary.
Adjustments must be made to meet variations in intensity of warfare. As a petroleum NCO, understanding
the petroleum distribution system will assist you in planning for support.
PART A - DISTRIBUTING FUEL IN A THEATER OF OPERATIONS
The flow of fuel requirements begins with the submission of fuel forecasts from consuming units. Forecasted
fuel is then distributed as far forward as possible to satisfy the most forward needs first and then and only
then is any fuel placed in storage.
The using unit submits their forecast through the S4 channels to the Division Material Management
Center (DMMC). The DMMC prepares the division forecast from the main support battalion (MSB), forward
support battalion (FSB), and Aviation Brigade (AVN BDE) units logistics reports and forwards the
requirements to the Corps Material Management Center (CMMC).
The CMMC consolidates all the requirements from other divisional and nondivisional commands within
the corps area and forwards the entire corps forecast to the Theater Materiel Management Center (TMMC).
PART B - UNITS RESPONSIBLE FOR DISTRIBUTION
Communications Zone. The communications zone (COMMZ) is the rear part of the theater of
operations and contains the lines of communication establishment for supply and evacuation and other
agencies required for the immediate support and maintenance of the field forces. The Joint Petroleum
Office (JPO) consolidates theater petroleum requirements for all services. prepares the "slate" (request for
delivery of fuel byproduct, quantity, and location), and forwards it to the Defense Energy Support Center
(DESC). The Petroleum Group operates the bulk petroleum distribution system extending from ports of entry
through the COMMZ and as far into the combat zone as practicable.
Combat Zone. The combat zone is the area required by combat forces for the conduct of operation. This
area is the territory forward of the Army rear area boundary.
Corps Area. The Corps Support Command (COSCOM), located in the corps area, provides combat service
support to Army forces in the corps area, direct support (DS) and general support (GS) to nondivisional units,
and GS to divisional units.
Petroleum Supply Battalion. Provides DS and GS petroleum in the corps and divisional areas.
Petroleum Supply Company. Receives, stores, and issues bulk petroleum to divisional and nondivisional
DS companies on a 24-hour basis. Receives fuel from the petroleum pipeline and terminal operating
company. Issues fuel to divisional and nondivisional DS supply and services companies and aviation
brigade and/or battalions. The capabilities and/or responsibilities of this organization are:
Install, operate, and retrieve approximately 10 miles of collapsible hoseline per day.
Maintain prescribed reserve stock supply.
Provide limited mobile filling station service.
Operate two to four supply points at different locations. Storage capacity includes twenty-eight
10,000-gallon collapsible tanks and twenty-four 50,000-gallon collapsible tanks for a total of
1,480,000-gallon capacity.
Medium Truck Company (Petroleum). Provides transportation for bulk petroleum between GS and DS
petroleum organizations. The capabilities and/or responsibilities of this organization are:
Assigned sixty 5,000-gallon tanker trucks.
Can line haul 450,000 gallons of fuel each day. This is based on an assumption of 75 percent
vehicle availability and two round-trips completed each day.
Can local haul 900,000 gallons of fuel each day. This is based on an assumption of 75 percent
vehicle availability and four round-trips completed each day.
Has storage capacity of 300,000 gallons in the 5,000-gallon tanker trucks.
COSCOM Support Group. Provide area supply and services to units passing through or located in its
assigned corps areas.
2-2
QM 5097
Previous Page
