An Introduction to
Multinational Logistics
Barbara Gomoll
Senior Instructor, Multinational Logistics Course
ALMC, Fort Lee, VA
(804) 765-0279
1
Outline
 Definitions
 Multinational Support Options
 Challenges of Multinational Logistics
Multinational Logistics
2
Joint Pub 4-08
 Executive Summary
 Chapter I –
Fundamentals
 Chapter II –
Command Relationships
 Chapter III –
Support Arrangements
 Chapter IV –
Planning
Multinational Logistics
3
Definitions
 Alliance – The result of formal agreements (treaties)
between two or more nations for broad, long-term
objectives which further the common interests of the
members. (JP 1-02)
 Coalition – An ad hoc arrangement between two or
more nations for a common action. (JP 1-02)
 OPCON – Authority to perform those functions of
command over subordinate forces involving organizing,
and giving authoritative direction necessary to
accomplish the mission. (JP 1-02)
Multinational Logistics
4
Definitions
 Multinational Operations – A collective term used
to describe military actions conducted by forces of two
or more nations, usually undertaken within the structure
of a coalition or alliance. (JP 1-02)
 Multinational Logistics – Any coordinated logistic
activity involving two or more nations supporting a
multinational force conducting military operations under
the auspices of an alliance or coalition. (JP 1-02)
Multinational Logistics
5
Multinational Support Options
Multinational Logistics
6
National Responsibility
 Each nation provides its
own support and the MNF
HQ monitors the support
status of each unit.
 Traditional approach.
 Similar to ABCA
Multinational Logistics
7
Lead Nation
One nation assumes the responsibility for providing a
broad spectrum of logistics support for the
multinational force and/or headquarters.
Reimbursement by
agreements between the
parties involved.
Multinational Logistics
8
Role Specialist Nation
One nation assumes the responsibility for procuring a
particular class of supply or service for the
multinational force.
Reimbursement will then be
subject to agreements between
the parties involved.
Multinational Logistics
9
Multinational Integrated Logistics
Unit (MILU)
 Also called Theater Logistic Units.
 Assets provided by several
Troop Contributing Nations
(TCN).
 Support the Combined Joint
Task Force (CJTF).
Multinational Logistics
10
Multinational Integrated Logistics
Unit (MILU)
Multinational Logistics
11
Multinational Integrated Logistics
Unit (MILU)
Multinational Logistics
12
Multinational Support Agreements
Agreements concluded bi-laterally and/or among
multiple nations and NATO to ease national logistic
burdens. Extremely successful within the
Multinational Brigades and Divisions within KFOR
and SFOR.
Multinational Logistics
13
Third Party Contracting
Contracting has become increasingly important in the
conduct of operations, particularly when operating
beyond normal areas of responsibility. It is a
significant tool that may be employed to gain quick
access to in-country resources by procuring supplies
and services locally.
 Used extensively by many nations.
 Not necessarily the cheapest option.
 Saves military personnel.
Multinational Logistics
14
Other Options for Support
Civil Augmentation
Program (LOGCAP)
Acquisition & Cross
Servicing
Agreements
(ACSA)
Contingency
Contracting
Host
Nation
Support
Multinational Logistics
15
What is an ACSA?
An Acquisition & Cross Servicing Agreement (ACSA)
is an International Bilateral Agreement.
 With a government of a specified ally or with a
regional international organization of which the U.S. is
a member (e.g., NATO, UN)
 It allows the U.S. to transfer specified logistic
support, supplies, services to, or receive from, the other
party.
Multinational Logistics
16
What Does an ACSA Do?
 Provides the legal basis for logistics exchanges
between the U.S. and other armed forces, but does not
financially or politically commit either party to provide
any particular support.
 Provides the mechanism by which such transactions
can be done when mutually agreed.
 Alternative to standard contracting FMS procedures.
Multinational Logistics
17
How Does an ACSA Work?
 Either nation places a written order.
- Individual orders under ACSA must be mutually agreed
upon and consistent with both countries national priorities.
- Becomes binding upon acceptance.
 Transactions are reimbursable by currency, replacement
in kind, or equal value exchange.
 Reciprocal pricing used for acquisitions or transfers.
Multinational Logistics
18
Items Covered by an ACSA
 Food & Water
 Transportation & POL
 Training
 Use of Facilities & Billeting
 Maintenance
 Storage Services
Multinational Logistics
19
Items Prohibited by an ACSA
 Weapon Systems
 Major End Items
 Guided Missiles
 Chemical Munitions
 Naval Mines & Torpedoes
 Chaff & Chaff Dispensers
Multinational Logistics
20
Why We Need ACSA’s
 U.S. law prohibits DoD from
buying/selling/giving/loaning support without
legal authority.
 Title 10 U.S. Code § 2341- 2342 (ACSA
Statute) gives DoD that authority.
Multinational Logistics
21
Challenges of Multinational Logistics
 C2
 Goals
 Capabilities
 Training
 Equipment
 Doctrine
 Intelligence
 Language
 Leadership
 Cultural
Multinational Logistics
23
Command Structure
Multinational
Force
Commander
National
Contingent
National
Contingent
National
Contingent
OPCON (or similar agreed upon command relationship)
Advise & Coordinate
Multinational Logistics
24
Command Structure
COCOM
National
Contingent
Multinational
Force
Commander
National
Contingent
Key point – applies
to ALL multinational
command structures
National
Contingent
Command – always retained by each nation
OPCON (or similar agreed upon command relationship)
Advise & Coordinate
1
Multinational Logistics
25
C2 Structures
Parallel
Lead Nation
Integrated
Multinational Logistics
26
Parallel Command
US
Component
Commander
Allied
Component
Commander
US
Forces
Allied
Forces
Command & Control (OPCON)
Liaison & Coordination
Multinational Logistics
27
Lead Nation Command
Component
Commander
US
National
US
COMPONENT
Forces
COMPONENT
COMMANDER
COMMANDER
Multinational Logistics
Lead Nation
Component
Commander
Multinational
Augmented
Staff
Component
Commander
Component
Commander
National
Allied
Forces
Allied
Forces
Forces
National
Allied
Forces
Allied
Forces
Forces
28
Integrated Command
Alliance MN
Component
Commander
US
Multinational
COMPONENT
Forces
COMMANDER
Multinational Logistics
Multinational
Forces
Integrated
Staff
Multinational
Allied
Forces
Forces
29
MNFC and Nation Relationships
 Nations continue to exercise command over their
forces throughout the operation – Sovereignty.
 Generally nations give the MNFC OPCON over
their assigned forces.
 OPCON does not include authoritative direction
for logistics or administrative matters.
Multinational Logistics
31
Goals
 Political goals drive military goals.
 Level of threat dictates willingness to sacrifice
national goals for common goals.
 Smaller partners often feel “bullied”, under-
appreciated.
 Larger partners feel they carry inequitable share
of risks and burden. (Casualties, $)
Multinational Logistics
32
Capabilities
 Not all partners have the same capabilities.
 Leadership must be sensitive to inequality of
national contributions and share burden equitably –
not equally.
 Each nation contributes what it can to the effort
and must be tasked within its capability.
 Diplomacy is the key.
Multinational Logistics
33
Training
 Resources and standards for training vary widely
different between nations.
 May be little or no time to train between
notification and commencement of operations.
 Forces with lower standards must be used within
limits of their training state.
 Impact on selection of forces for tasks, especially
individuals? Limitation for commanders?
Multinational Logistics
34
Difference in Safety Protocols
Multinational Logistics
36
Equipment
 Quality, quantity, especially interoperability are
significant challenges.
 Problem of technological asymmetry – countries
are not able to operate with others which are
technologically far superior.
 Communications equipment inequities have
potential to seriously hamper coordinated efforts.
Multinational Logistics
37
Difference in Equipment
Multinational Logistics
38
Doctrine
 Doctrine reflects national character and
determines force structure/procedures of nations.
 STANAGs/Accords de normalisation
 Ways to overcome differences:
- Multinational training exercises
- Skilled liaison officers/teams
- Assign special missions or augment from
other national forces
Multinational Logistics
39
Doctrine
NATO Class I
FOOD AND FORAGE
NATO Class II
CLOTHING, WEAPONS, TOOLS,
SPARE PARTS & VEHICLES
NATO Class III
GASOLINE, FUEL OIL, GREASES,
COAL & COKE
NATO Class IIIa
AVIATION FUEL & LUBRICANTS
NATO Class IV
FORTIFICATION & CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS,
PLUS ADDITIONAL QUANTITIES OF CLASS II
NATO Class V
US Class I
US Class II
US Class III
US Class IV
US Class V
US Class VI
US Class VII
US Class VIII
US Class IX
US Class X
SUBSISTENCE
CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQPT,
TOOLS, ADMIN SUPPLIES
PETROLEUM, OILS, LUBRICANTS
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
AMMUNITION
PERSONAL DEMAND ITEMS
MAJOR END ITEMS: RACKS,
TRACKED VEHICLES, ETC
MEDICAL
MATERIALS
REPAIR PARTS
MATERIAL FOR NONMILITARY
PROGRAMS
AMMUNITION, EXPLOSIVES &
CHEMICAL AGENTS OF ALL TYPES
Multinational Logistics
40
Intelligence
 Intelligence sharing a sensitive issue
- Nations may have legal restrictions
- Former enemies may be part of
coalition/alliance
Multinational Logistics
41
Language
 Lack of understanding can lead to disaster
Multinational Logistics
42
Language
• Lack of understanding can lead to disaster
43
Language
 Lack of understanding can lead to disaster.
 Lack of common terminology is a problem.
 Acronyms/abbreviations.
 English is most common language but others may
be used.
- Russian for Eastern European
- French for African nations
Multinational Logistics
44
Leadership
 Leadership must be persuasive, not coercive and
be sensitive to national needs.
 Must have: clear chain of command, common
rules of engagement, single controller of airspace.
 Presence of NGOs/IOs/PVOs increase
coordination requirements.
Multinational Logistics
45
Cultural Considerations
 Discipline and Cultural Tolerance
 Work Ethic
 Standard of Living
 Religion
 Gender Distinctions
 National Traditions
Multinational Logistics
46
Cultural Considerations
 Discipline and Cultural Tolerance
- Large variance between armies
- Some forces must be kept apart
 Work Ethic – Differences between nations
complicates cooperative efforts.
 Standard of Living
- U.S. military lives at lower standard in field but
still perhaps at a much higher level than some
nations.
Multinational Logistics
47
Cultural Considerations
 Religion – Coalitions consist of a variety of
religions.
- Religious holidays & festivals (Ramadan)
 Food restrictions
**Consider the operational & logistical implications**
Multinational Logistics
48
Cultural Considerations
 Class and gender considerations
- Officer/Enlisted distinction
 Role of women in the military
 Dress when not on duty in host nation
 Alcohol
Multinational Logistics
49
Conclusion
 Definitions
 Multinational Support Options
 Challenges of Multinational Logistics
Multinational Logistics
50
Check on Learning
 Joint Publication for Multinational Logistics?
 What is the definition of a Coalition?
 What is meant by Lead Nation? Role Specialist?
 What are some challenges to Multinational Logistics?
 What does ACSA stand for?
 Ways to lessen impact of national differences?
Multinational Logistics
51
An Introduction to
Multinational Logistics
Barbara Gomoll
Senior Instructor, Multinational Logistics Course
ALMC, Fort Lee, VA
(804) 765-0279
52