text: Chapter 1
  FM 3-90 focuses on logistics, and medical considerations as they apply to tactical operations. For additional
  information on the sustainment warfighting function see ADP 4-0.
  Logistics
  1-153. During planning, units assess their basic load to determine its adequacy to support an operation. A
  basic load is the quantity of supplies required to be on hand within, and moved by a unit formation, expressed
  according to the wartime organization of the unit or formation and maintained at the prescribed levels
  (JP 4-09). Units further configure their basic load into combat loads for specific missions. Combat loads are
  the minimum mission-essential equipment and supplies as determined by the commander responsible for
  carrying out the mission, required for Soldiers to fight and survive immediate combat operations (FM 4-40).
  Combat loads are not standardized nor are quantities established since all are mission dependent.
  1-154. Units can use logistics packages and throughput distribution of combat configured loads to resupply
  maneuver units maintaining momentum and tempo. A logistics package is a grouping of multiple classes
  of supply and supply vehicles under the control of a single convoy commander. Throughput distribution
  is a method of distribution which bypasses one or more intermediate supply echelons in the supply system to
  avoid multiple handling. A combat configured load consists of packages of water, Class I, Class III (B), Class
  IV, Class V, Class VIII, and Class IX constructed to support the type and mission of a maneuver unit. The
  supporting unit calculates and recommends the composition of combat configured loads based upon the
  controlled supply rate, forecasting, and historical data. Units determine the amount of cross loading required
  for supplies to prevent all of one type of supply from loss by the destruction of a single vehicle or aircraft.
  Units must also anticipate and plan for dynamic changes to task organization to ensure the appropriate
  ammunition types, repair parts, and petroleum, oil, and lubrications products are packaged and distributed
  accordingly.
  1-155. Logistics units and materiel remain close to the maneuver force to ensure short turnaround time for
  supplies and services. This includes uploading as much critical materiel (such as ammunition and petroleum,
  oils, and lubricants) as possible and coordinating to preclude multiple units near each other. Units take into
  account the risk of enemy detection of logistics preparations for an attack.
  1-156. The availability of adequate supplies and transportation to sustain an operation from start to finish
  is critical to mission success. Sustainment planners must account for logistics requirements during mission
  analysis to ensure the selected course of action and any potential branch plan is supportable. Based on the
  type of mission and expected consumption factors, they anticipate requirements and arrange for resupply via
  multiple means according to the concept of support. Additionally, logistics planners ensure their counterparts
  at the next higher echelon are fully aware of the sustainment requirements and priorities to aid in adding
  flexibility to the system (for example, potential need to throughput a class of supply for an urgent
  requirement, such as ammunition or bulk fuel). Supply lines of communications are strained, and
  requirements for repair and replacement of weapon systems increase. Requirements for petroleum, oils, and
  lubricants increase because of the distance combat vehicles are likely to travel. Sustainment units in direct
  support of maneuver units must be as agile and mobile as the forces they support. One way to provide
  continuous support is to task-organize sustainment elements with their supported maneuver formations.
  1-157. Field maintenance assets move as far forward as possible and as the tactical situation allows to repair
  and return inoperable and damaged equipment to an operational status. Crews continue to perform their
  preventive maintenance checks and services in accordance with the operational climate and terrain. Battle
  damage assessment and repair is critical to sustaining offensive actions. Battle damage assessment is the
  estimate of damage composed of physical and functional damage assessment, as well as target system
  assessment, resulting from the application of fires (JP 3-0). Crews as well as maintenance and recovery teams
  conduct battle damage assessment and repair of disabled equipment by expeditiously fixing, bypassing, or
  using field expedient components. Battle damage assessment and repair restores the minimum-essential
  combat capabilities necessary to support a specific combat mission or to enable the equipment to self-recover.
  1-158. Establishing aerial resupply and forward logistics bases may be necessary to sustain operations such
  as exploitation and pursuit conducted at great distances from a unit’s sustaining base. The unit or support
  activity at an airlift’s point of origin is responsible for obtaining the required packing, shipping, and sling-
  load equipment. It prepares the load for aerial transport, prepares the pickup zone, and conducts air-loading
  operations. The unit located at the airlift destination is responsible for preparing the landing zone to