FM 9-6 (ARMY FIELD MANUAL 9-6), MUNITIONS SUPPORT IN THE THEATER OF OPERATIONS (20 MAR 1998)

FM 9-6 (ARMY FIELD MANUAL 9-6), MUNITIONS SUPPORT IN THE THEATER OF OPERATIONS (20 MAR 1998)., This FM prescribes doctrine for munitions support. It explains in general terms how munitions units operate and how they interact to provide munitions to the user. It is the basis for munitions doctrine, materiel, training, and organizational development. This manual addresses munitions unit missions, operations, and interactions between the various levels of munitions support. FM 9-6 explains to combat arms, combat support (CS), and combat service support (CSS) commanders and their staffs how and where they receive munitions support. It establishes guidelines and procedures for munitions unit commanders and their staffs operating the munitions support structure. Also, this manual introduces two very important doctrinal changes. First, it incorporates the maneuver-oriented ammunition distribution system, palletized load system (MOADS-PLS) into the ammunition support structure as Army doctrine. This allows for the extensive use of PLS for the distribution of ammunition. Second is the modular ammunition platoon concept. There are two types of modular platoons: heavy lift and medium lift. The heavy lift platoon (HLP) is best suited for port, theater storage area (TSA), and corps storage area (CSA) operations. Medium lift platoons (MLPs) operate in TSAs and CSAs when needed and are designed to operate ammunition supply points (ASPs). These platoons are capable of deploying and operating independently from their company headquarters, but require external support for sustainment. They allow the Army to effectively take advantage of technology and the PLS. The PLS incorporates strategic and mission configured loads (MCLs). These palletized loads are capable of being shipped to TSAs, CSAs, and ASPs. The type and number of platoons deployed is based on mission, enemy, troops, terrain and weather, and time available (METT-T) and the commander’s intent. Modular units provide a flexible design tailorable to the theater commander’s intent. They give the theater commander the capability to expand and contract the ammunition supply capability when and where needed to meet operational requirements.