What is a logistics plan in COTAC operations and what key elements should it include?

• A. A plan detailing mission goals and success criteria.
• B. A plan detailing sustainment—ammo, fuel, medical, maintenance, transport, and distribution requirements.
• C. A plan for deconflicting airspace and communications.
• D. A plan for post-mission debrief.

Answer: (B)

A logistics plan in COTAC operations focuses on sustainment—the supply and support needed to keep a force moving and effective during the mission. It defines what is required and how it will be delivered and managed: ammo, fuel, medical supplies, maintenance parts and services, transport, and the distribution of those items to the right place at the right time. This plan ties together consumption rates, stock levels, delivery methods, routes, staging areas, storage, and roles and responsibilities, along with contingency options if a route or asset is disrupted. It also covers how logistics information is shared, how resupply is coordinated with operations, and how maintenance, medical evacuation, and bypass or alternative supply options are handled to maintain the tempo of the mission.

This focus on sustainment differentiates it from options that describe setting mission goals and success criteria (that’s about planning the operation at a high level and how performance will be measured), deconflicting airspace and communications (that’s about airspace and comms planning), or post-mission debrief (an after-action activity). The logistics plan centers on ensuring continuous, reliable support to keep the operation running.