It is an all-weather mode, which can be used over any trafficable terrain, including off-
road.
2 Rail transportation is the most efficient method of
hauling large tonnage's of materiel by ground transportation.
3 Air transportation is the most flexible of the four modes.
Wide-ranging CSS needs within a theater require Air Force and Army airlift assets to
sustain forces. While motor transportation will normally be the primary means of support
for combat operations, airlines become increasingly important as the intensity, depth, and
duration of operations increase.
4 Water transportation is often the first means of support.
Commanders use existing ports and host nation stevedore and watercraft support (both
inland and ocean terminals) to move cargo that is then sorted by destination and loaded
on the appropriate mode.
(b) Movement Control. Movement control is one of the three
transportation missions. Within that context, it applies generally to the movement of
materiel (chiefly supplies) and personnel. From the broader viewpoint, movement
control implies the total movement effort to include the movement inherent in
maneuvering combat elements throughout the battlefield.
(c) Terminal Operations. Transportation and other CSS units
establish terminals at origins and destinations for loading and unloading cargo. The
preferred delivery method is movement from origin to destination on one mode; however,
it is sometimes necessary to transfer cargo from one mode of transportation to another.
e. Field Services. The field services function of logistics consists of support
functions such as grave registration, airdrop, clothing exchange and bath, laundry and
renovation, bread baking, and salvage.
2. Summary. In this lesson you learned how the Combat Service Support (CSS) units
operate. The following key points were discussed within the lesson unit: the Battlefield,
Logistics Support, Maintenance, Transportation, and Field Services. You must know their
capabilities and limitations and consider these in analysis and planning. Understanding
how the support channel functions will help you in ensuring that your forces receive the
support they need with maximum effectiveness.
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