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 SUPPORT 

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, logistic units from these Corps typically represent about 30% of the manpower total of an Armoured Division, and with the exception of certain members of the RAMC all are fully trained fighting soldiers. In November 2004 the total RLC personnel strength was 15,540.

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

a. SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION - of ammunition, fuel, lubricants, rations and spare parts.
b. RECOVERY AND REPAIR - of battle damaged and unserviceable equipment.
c. 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 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 its staff are responsible for coordinating the flow of all materiel and personnel into and out of the Divisional area.