NATO Logistics Handbook October 1997

Chapter 3: Logistic Support of the Alliance's New Strategy Principles of Reinforcement Flexibility and Mobility 321. The flexible use and timely deployment of forces as reflected in the new concept of reinforcement is dependent on effective support arrangements based upon the best use of available resources. It requires a high degree of operational flexibility and complementary levels of mobility, and places a premium on achieving effective interoperability, standardization, logistic support, and command, control and communications. Future support arrangements must clearly be adapted to ensure the initial movement, the support in transit, the sustainment of combat power and the possible redeployment of reinforcement forces. Generic and Contingency Planning 322. Detailed pre-planning for every individual option will not be possible since the volume, destination and timing of intra-European as well as transatlantic reinforcement will not generally be possible to predict. Transport and movement planning may therefore need to be based on a capability/capacity planning system (which matches force and support capabilities to the role envisaged) as a means, and common method, of providing the ability to react to varying political and military requirements. Infrastructure Support 323. Infrastructure planning in support of reinforcement remains of fundamental importance and must be adapted to the requirements derived from the future flexible use of forces. It must make optimum use of existing facilities and assets, covering the full range of requirements for base and staging areas and secure movement and reception of reinforcement forces.