MCRP 12-10B.1, page 134

Chapter 5 Combat Service Support and Legal Aspects of Combat During combat in built-up areas, the terrain and the nature of operations create unique demands on the CSS system. Meeting these demands will require innovative techniques and in-depth planning. Section I Combat Service Support 5101. Introduction. CSS is “the essential capabilities, functions, activities, and tasks necessary to sustain all elements of operating forces in theater at all levels of war” (Joint Pub 1-02). The CSS organization throughout the MAGTF, down to battalion level, must provide a responsive CSS system that can perform all functions and tasks associated with meeting identified CSS requirements. This responsibility does not change during urban operations. Forward support for combat forces continues to be the basic concept governing CSS operations. No significant changes in doctrine or organization are required. However, the characteristics and nature of urban combat do affect how CSS is provided. 5102. Combat Service Support Resupply, Maintenance/Repair, and Replacement a. Resupply of Ammunition. Combat in built-up areas is characterized by extremely high ammunition expenditure rates. Not only do individual Marines expend more ammunition, but they also use greater quantities of munitions such as smoke, concussion, and fragmentation grenades; AT4s; claymore mines; demolitions; and so on. The ammunition consumption rate for the first day of combat in a built-up area can be up to four times the normal rate. Even though this rate decreases during succeeding days, consumption remains high. Leaders should plan to meet these high consumption rates. The plan must include how ammunition and demolitions are to be moved forward to the companies. AAVs should be designated for the movement of ammunition if rubble or glass prevents wheeled-vehicle traffic. Marines may need to organize into carrying elements if streets are blocked by rubble. b. Resupply of Fuel. The amount of bulk fuel needed by forces during combat in built-up areas is greatly reduced. Combat vehicles normally use less fuel in built-up areas because they travel shorter distances and perform less cross-country traveling. Engineer equipment and power generation equipment may use more fuel, but requirements are small. A unit may not use much fuel daily, but when it does need fuel, a problem exists in delivering bulk fuel to the vehicle. In open terrain, a vehicle that has run out of fuel can be recovered later. In built-up areas, the same vehicle is probably going to be lost quickly. Leaders should plan for and provide the means of moving limited amounts of bulk fuel forward to combat units. 5-1