Edition 56 | May 2019

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Smart Soldier

Quick Decision ExercisePlan a Distribution Point

References:1. LWP-CSS 4-3-2, Road Transport

Operations Handbook http://siepd84wsp0016.dpe.protected.mil.au/doctrine/htmlbooks/LWP-CSS_4-3-2/LWP-CSS_4-3-2_Road_Transport_Operations_Handbook_Full.pdf

2. LWP-CSS 4-0-1, Combat Service Support in the Theatre http://siepd84wsp0016.dpe.protected.mil.au/doctrine/htmlbooks/LWP-CSS_4-0-1/LWP-CSS_4-0-1_Combat_Service_Support_in_the_Theatre_Interim_Full.pdf

3. Hybrid Threat (DATE – Decisive Action Training Environment) http://collab/army/DATE/SiteCollectionImages/homepage.jpg

4. Concept for Employment of Army’s Combat Brigade (CONEMP) http://drnet/Army/Doctrine-Online/Pages/CONEMP.aspx

Background You are the A2 Echelon of a Protected Mobility Vehicle Battalion (PMV Bn) and have been tasked to establish a distribution point (DP)1 at GR674199 to provide three days of supply (DOS)2 of Class 1, 3 and 53 IOT sustain a fully dismounted Inf Coy, Combat Team ALPHA (CT A). You have been tasked to plan for the deployment, conduct and re-deployment of the DP. The DP is 12 km North-East of your position. This QDE will focus on planning.

TopographyPhysical TerrainYou are in a mid- to high-density forested area with undulating terrain. The formed roads/tracks appear to be in good condition and are considered to be negotiable by Land 121 vehicles. The high-density areas will have an impact on visibility and provide excellent cover for enemy forces or affiliates looking to disrupt the deployment.

1 AdistributionpointisalocationestablishedbytheAEchelon/CSSorganisationinaplaceconvenienttofirstlinetransportfromwhichunitsreplenishtheircombatsupplyholdings/classesofsupply.DPsareopenforprescribedtimeswithallocatedunitsgivendrawingtimes.DPsaredesignatedbycommoditieswhichareammunitionpoints;petroleum,oilsandlubricantspoints;andrationpoints.

2 ThetermDOS(daysofsupply)isusedtodescribetherateatwhichsuppliesareconsumedinonedaybyaknowndependency.DOSisusedtodeterminethebroadstockinglevelsoftheforce.DOSwillvarydependingonthesizeoftheforce,thetypeofoperation,thetempoandtheenvironmentalconditions.

3 Class1issubsistence(rations);Class3ispetrol,oilsandlubricants;andClass5isammunition.4 LOCsareallland,waterandairrouteswhichconnectanoperatingmilitaryforcewithoneormorebasesofoperations,andalongwhichsuppliesandreinforcementsaremoved.

5 D+7meansthatthetaskwillbeconductedinsevendays’time.

Human TerrainTactical actions of the adversary Special Purpose Forces (SPF – Regular Special Forces) to date have spread panic among the civilian population. The current situation is likely to hamper the distribution of combat service support (CSS) within the tactical area of responsibility (TAOR). Elements of the civilian population, with assistance from SPF, are likely to attempt to disrupt the lines of communication (LOCs)4 and facilitate looting.

Hybrid Threat – Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE)SPF are known to operate in small teams, are equipped to operate a significant distance in front of the main force and are capable of conducting effective attacks against rear areas. SPF primary tasks are to disrupt the LOCs and the transfer of essential supplies. Direct action tasks may involve overt, covert or clandestine attacks by armed individuals or groups to destroy high value targets (HVTs) through sabotage, capture, ambush and raids IOT disrupt command and control (C2), communications and LOCs.

Friendly ForcesYour dependency CT A.

Attachments and DetachmentsNil.

MissionThe A2 Echelon is to conduct a DP at GR12345678 NLT D+7 0300K IOT provide Class 1, 3 and 5 supplies to CT A.

ExecutionCoord InstructionsTimingsConduct DP during the period D+6 2200K to D+75 0300K

Close DP NLT D+7 0300K and re-deploy

ROE• Use lethal and nonlethal force

to defend yourself, Australian forces, Australian nationals, coalition partners and mission-essential equipment

• Use reasonable force to prevent looters

• Can seize dangerous goods/items• Can detain personnel

found in possession of dangerous goods/items

QDE 56 | Plan a Distribution PointSmart Soldier

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ScenarioThe A2 Echelon has received a maintenance demand (MAINTDEM)6 from CT A requesting three DOS of Class 1, 3 and 5. CT A are currently deployed approximately 10 km to the north-east of the A2 Echelon and will require resupply IAW mission timings.

TaskPlan for the deployment, conduct and re-deployment of a DP utilising the following considerations:

• Is a recon required and if so, what type and why?

• What will you have to consider when planning for the quantities required of Class 1, 3 and 5 for the resupply of CT A?

• What will you have to consider when planning movement and lift capability for the task?

• With respect to (WRT) security, what will you need to consider given your mission and the threat?

• Are your Rules of Engagement (ROE) suitable/tailored to your mission?

• WRT the ROE, what additional resources would you need to consider?

• What would be appropriate actions on for the deployment, conduct and re-deployment of the DP?

6 Maintenancedemandisusedwhentherequireditem(s)aretobedeliveredbetween18to72hours.

Note: planning would normally account for the selection of a convoy route. This will be considered in the next QDE.

It is not the intent of the QDE to provide all the specific information necessary. As such, write down any assumptions you have made and then come up with a solution. Should you think you are missing critical information, send an RFI to army.lessons@defence.gov.au.

You can either email your solution to army.lessons@defence.gov.au or go to http://lwdc.sor.defence.gov.au/cal_forum/ and then select ‘Quick Decision Exercises from Smart Soldier’ and then open the QDE related to this version. You do not need to be registered to make a submission.

Note: It is not the intent of the Quick Decision Exercise to provide all of the specific information necessary for a ‘DS solution’. As such, submit any assumptions that you have made in developing your plan.

We at Army Lessons are continuously on the lookout for user submissions for QDEs, so if you or anyone you know has a great idea for a submission please submit them to army.lessons@defence.gov.au

QDE 56 | Plan a Distribution PointSmart Soldier

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