The 225th Light Support Battalion (LSB) provided critical support to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Wolfhounds and its enablers during the joint forcible entry operation (JFEO) at Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) 25-01. The Wolfhounds were tasked with conducting a 200-mile long-range air assault from Oahu to the Big Island of Hawaii as part of the rotational exercise. The 225th LSB was responsible for ensuring they were supplied throughout the exercise.
The mission’s success was largely driven by meticulous sustainment planning days before the air assault to build and template multiple forms of aerial and sealift-based distribution. Significantly supplying a battalion task force (TF) across an island chain requires multi-modal and joint distribution methods alongside a fully integrated maneuver-logistics plan. Using joint doctrine as a guide, planning for failure, and building a multifunctional sustainment team, the 225th LSB established a flexible and responsible distribution network that enabled an entire battalion TF to fight and win over 200 miles away from higher echelon support.
Joint Doctrine and Preparation
Joint doctrine offers an excellent starting point to prepare for a JFEO. Out of the 16 logistics planning considerations listed in Joint Publication (JP) 3-18, Joint Forcible Entry Operations, four proved critical to the 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team’s (LBCT’s) success in JPMRC 25-01: determining logistics capabilities, identifying logistics enhancements, maintaining the protection of logistics, and identifying and sourcing critical items. Early in the planning process, the integration of fixed-wing (FW) and rotary-wing (RW) assets for aerial delivery proved essential. The 225th LSB staged and rigged 40 container delivery system bundles and three heavy equipment platforms of multiclass sustainment packages, including Class I rations and water, Class III petroleum products, Class IV supplies for a hasty defense, replicated Class V, a Class VIII bundle for the battalion Role 1, and high-demand Class IX parts such as tires and batteries. Leveraging joint and partner capabilities, the support battalion ensured there were multiple and redundant forms of distribution to sustain Task Force Wolfhounds.
As sustainers of the prototype LBCT, our mission was to allow our ground forces to accomplish the mission while remaining as light as possible. Using the logistics enhancement consideration, we prioritized the TF conducting JFEO with first-strike rations, allowing each Soldier to carry four days of supply (DOS) for their long-range air assault. Critical items were identified by phase of the operation, prioritizing Class I during assault operations and Class IV and Class V resupply for defensive operations. Finally, the support battalion kept a configured load of Class V at the modular ammunition transfer point rigged for RW aerial resupply to provide immediate support as required. Using joint doctrine provided a welcome framework to prioritize sustainment planning and to ensure that the 225th LSB was anticipating the TF’s demands while creating a simple and flexible supply distribution chain over an extremely complex support area.
Plan for Failure
The adage “no plan survives first contact” often holds true, but exceptional sustainers craft plans that account for improvisation and anticipate how initial disruptions may impact logistics. During the planning and preparation for the JFEO at JPMRC, the sustainers of the 225th LSB established comprehensive contingencies for every mode and method of resupply across the theater. This included pre-positioning bulk water and fuel via sea movement to a secure beachhead, securing RW assets as a backup for FW aerial deliveries, and meticulously calculating the quantities of each critical commodity moving across the air bridge, matched to DOS for each Soldier on the ground. Thanks to detailed early-stage planning and precise coordination, the initial assault forces were fully sustained despite limited resources, reducing lifts and ensuring they were never left wanting. By the time the entire TF had boots on the ground, they were equipped with full combat loads, topped off with water, and ready to execute the mission. Maintaining primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (PACE) plans for distribution is essential in any island chain fight, let alone a JFEO with minimal forward sustainment assets during the initial phase of the operation.
Teamwork Multiplies Success
Synchronizing logistics across an island chain presents a unique challenge for sustainers accustomed to ground resupplies, where the tangible results of their efforts are evident as they directly hand off supplies to Soldiers. In an island conflict, employing multi-modal logistics and relying on echelons above brigade support, such as quartermaster rigging companies to rig supplies or Air Force and Army pilots to transport them, becomes a true trust exercise for all logisticians involved. JFEO planning inherently requires building strong relationships through long hours of coordination, creating a multifunctional and joint network of collaborators. While we can account for every planning consideration and follow each step outlined in JP 3-18 to create an ideal plan, the key to success lies in the crosstalk between organizations and the shared understanding of the mission.
Looking Ahead
For those preparing to sustain JFEO in an island fight, here are my recommendations:
- Develop the PACE plan. When preparing for distribution operations in an island chain fight, evaluate every asset at your disposal — land, sea, air, and digital resources are critical. But do not stop there; always look beyond the obvious. There is often another method or mode of delivery that you may not have used before, whether it is a new technology, a different transport route, or an unconventional technique. The PACE plan must not only account for the standard logistics channels but also prepare for rapid shifts in operational conditions. A comprehensive and flexible PACE plan ensures you can adapt and overcome challenges in an island chain fight, where terrain, weather, and enemy threats can disrupt traditional routes. Continuously reassess your options; think outside the conventional framework; and anticipate potential disruptions to ensure that you always have multiple viable alternatives to sustain the force.
- Build a multifunctional and joint team. In an island chain fight, the success of distribution operations relies heavily on a collaborative and flexible approach. Every asset has the potential to contribute to or support sustainment efforts. The complexity of operating across diverse terrains and environments demands a broad spectrum of capabilities, from ground transport to sea lift and air resupply. Therefore, building a multifunctional, joint team that seamlessly integrates all available resources is essential. Effective coordination between sustainment planners and maneuver forces requires the streamlining of communication channels, both within the unit and across the division. Flattening these communication structures ensures that information flows freely and quickly, eliminating bottlenecks and enabling faster decision making. This collaborative approach allows planners to leverage the full range of expertise from all branches and specialties involved. No single individual or team can foresee every challenge or solution in an operation as complex as an island chain fight. To succeed, sustainment planners must foster an environment where ideas are shared openly, diverse perspectives are valued, and every member of the team brings their unique strengths to the table.
- Think like the enemy. In the context of distribution operations for an island chain fight, anticipating the enemy’s actions is just as crucial as planning your own logistics. Adopting the mindset of the adversary enables you to evaluate potential methods of disruption and proactively identify alternative sustainment and distribution solutions that may not be immediately apparent. In a dynamic and high-stakes environment like an island chain, where the enemy can target key infrastructure, disrupt supply lines, or employ asymmetric tactics, it is essential to consider how they might challenge your operations. Start by developing basic, straightforward strategies, then build on them by engaging your team in brainstorming sessions. Encourage creative, out-of-the-box thinking to explore every “what if?” scenario. Having your team challenge assumptions and propose alternative solutions helps uncover potential vulnerabilities and prepares for the unexpected. This approach is not just about identifying direct threats; it is about understanding the enemy’s decision-making process to identify their likely tactics, techniques, and procedures. By doing this, you can design a resilient and adaptable distribution plan that allows you to quickly pivot and respond to disruptions. In the fast-moving environment of an island chain fight, thinking like the enemy can be the difference between success and failure.
Conclusion
The 225th LSB’s role in supporting Task Force Wolfhounds during JFEO at JPMRC 25-01 was a prime example of how meticulous planning, adaptability, and collaboration are essential to sustainment success in an island chain fight. The complexity of operating across multiple islands required a multifaceted and flexible distribution plan. By leveraging joint doctrine, preparing for contingencies, and fostering a cohesive team environment, the 225th LSB provided the necessary support to sustain the force, even when faced with the unpredictable nature of JFEO.
As we look to the future, the key to success in any island chain sustainment operation lies in flexibility, teamwork, and anticipating the unexpected. Developing a robust PACE plan, building a joint and multifunctional team, and thinking like the enemy are all critical components of an effective sustainment strategy. These lessons will serve as a guide for future sustainers in ensuring the warfighter remains supplied, adaptable, and ready to accomplish the mission in even the most challenging and remote environments. The 225th LSB’s successful execution at JPMRC 25-01 underscores the importance of thorough preparation and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances, providing a model for sustainment operations in future joint and multinational operations.
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CPT Gabrielle Davis serves as the deputy support operations officer of the 225th Light Support Battalion, 2nd Light Brigade Combat Team (Prototype), 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. She previously served as an aide-de-camp for the deputy commanding general for support of the 7th Infantry Division, and as a battalion S-4 for the 258th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade. She was the distinguished honor graduate of her Quartermaster Basic Officer Leaders Course and achieved the commandant’s list of her Logistics Captains Career Course class. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of North Georgia and is pursuing a master’s degree in logistics management at the Florida Institute of Technology.
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This article was published in the spring 2025 issue of Army Sustainment.
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