FM/C223 - Sustainment

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The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

Fill the supply box/crate according to the following criteria:

• Contains the required/requested items
• Only contains authorised items according to FM/C110 - Loadouts and Factions and the campaign brief
• Manage the weight to ensure the box/crate can be moved efficiently

Vehicle in-field repair is the act of conducting repairs outside of a VRP or other secure location. This may occur during active combat or in environments where enemy contact is possible.

The purpose of in-field repair is to restore key vehicle functionality rather than full operational capability. This may include enabling the vehicle to move under its own power to exit a danger area or restoring essential weapon functionality on emplaced systems. In-field repairs may be conducted without a supporting repair vehicle or repair station.

Effective coordination with combat elements is important to ensure adequate cover, concealment, and outward suppression for personnel conducting repairs.

Above: An IFV deploying smoke screen as Maintenance Technician provides in-field repairs

Vehicle components are commonly categorized as follows:

• Fuel Storage: Fuel tank(s)
• Main Weapon: Cannon, autocannon, machine gun, turret
• Propulsion: Engine, tracks, wheels
• Protection: Hull, countermeasures
• Secondary Equipment: Commander turret, commander machine gun, radar

Unless otherwise directed by vehicle crew or leadership, in-field repairs should prioritise restoring working condition in the following order:

1. Fuel storage
2. Propulsion
3. Main weapon
4. Protection
5. Secondary equipment

This prioritisation supports restoring mobility and combat capability as efficiently as possible.

• Identify damaged vehicle components.
• Prioritise repairs based on tactical situation and vehicle role.
• Use ACE Full Repair only when individual components cannot be repaired directly and when near a repair vehicle or facility.

If a vehicle component cannot be repaired due to a mod or technical issue, and the vehicle is in a situation where that component should be repairable under normal conditions, the Mission Support Team (MST) must be informed immediately.

The MST is responsible for providing an appropriate resolution, such as facilitating repair through administrative tools or providing an alternate vehicle.

Full Repair is the act of restoring a vehicle to complete functionality by repairing all damaged components.

Full Repair is available near designated repair facilities and certain repair vehicles, depending on mission settings. The process may take a significant amount of time, as it simulates repairing each component sequentially.

Full Repair also restores components that may not have dedicated repair nodes, such as windows or headlights.

To replace a wheel or track:

1. Remove the damaged wheels using ACE Interact on the component node
2. Move the removed wheel to a safe storage
3. Place the new track/wheel close to component node
4. Replace the new track/wheel using ACE Interact on the component node 

Wheel patching is the act of repairing a damaged wheel in the field. A wheel must first be removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground before it can be patched by an engineer.

A patched wheel can be restored to full condition. The process may take up to a minute depending on the level of damage.

Wheel patching is time-consuming and should be conducted in secure environments away from enemy contact. Depending on the tactical situation, it may be preferable to return to a friendly location and replace damaged wheels rather than conduct repairs in the field.

• Identify the number and condition of vehicle wheels.
• Conduct field wheel patching when safe and tactically appropriate.
• Replace damaged wheels at logistical or repair facilities when available.

To tow a vehicle:

1. Position the vehicle that will perform the tow close with its rear towards to vehicle to be towed
2. Deploy the tow ropes from the vehicle that will perform the tow
3. Attach the tow ropes to the vehicle to be towed
4. Drive at a reasonable speed while avoiding any obstacles by a wide margin

To refuel a vehicle:

1. Place the fuel container or fuel vehicle alongside the vehicle in need of fuel
2. Take the fuel nozzle from the fuel container/vehicle
3. Insert the fuel nozzle into the vehicle requiring fuel
4. Monitor fueling progress
5. Detach the fuel nozzle and return it to the fuel container/vehicle

Small fuel bladders or fuel barrels may be used to transport and distribute fuel without requiring a dedicated refuel vehicle.

These are commonly used during in-field repairs, as they can be carried inside smaller vehicles and provide sufficient fuel for a stranded vehicle to return to a refuel point, even after fuel tank damage.

Small fuel storage containers may also be refuelled from other sources, allowing them to be reused without immediately returning to a logistics hub.

To rearm a vehicle:

1. Place the ammo container or ammo vehicle alongside the vehicle in need of rearm
2. Communicate with the vehicle crew to determine whatever ammo might be needed and what to prioritize
3. Announce what ammo will be taken to avoid others taking the same
4. Take the ammo from the ammo container/vehicle and put it into the vehicle in need of a rearm
5. Return any excess ammo to the ammo container/vehicle

• Identify required supplies based on mission needs
• Distribute supplies across available vehicles
• Mix supply types to reduce single-point failure
• Include critical spares and contingency items
• Ensure loads remain within vehicle capacity limits

• Identify supply origin and destination
• Analyse terrain, distance, and likely threats along the route
• Select primary and alternate routes
• Confirm routes support vehicle type and load
• Adjust routes based on changes in the situation

Logistical operations must account for threats and integrate protection measures.

Key considerations:

• Coordinate security
  • Use escorts or combat elements when operating near contested areas
• Manage exposure
  • Plan routes and timings to reduce contact with enemy forces
• Adapt to threats
  • Relocate resupply points if necessary
  • Adjust routes and methods as the situation evolves

Reducing delays ensures timely delivery of supplies and sustained operational tempo.

Key considerations:

• Match transport to task
  • Use air for long-distance movement
  • Use ground vehicles for local distribution
• Select suitable vehicles
  • Consider terrain, load capacity, and mobility
• Use forward resupply points (FRPs)
  • Position close to supported elements
  • Reduce turnaround time for resupply
• Balance security and efficiency
  • Avoid placing logistics in exposed or predictable locations

Clear communication ensures logistical support remains coordinated and responsive.

Key considerations:

• Provide clear instructions
  • Ensure all elements understand the support plan
• Share reference points
  • Identify and communicate key locations before execution
• Maintain coordination
  • Stay in contact with leadership and supporting elements
  • Update plans based on changes in the situation

Logistical plans should be simple, adaptable, and efficient to remain effective under changing conditions.

Key considerations:

• Use available assets effectively
  • Match vehicle type and load to the task
  • Avoid overloading or underutilising key assets
• Maintain flexibility
  • Allow for changes in routes, objectives, or availability
• Improve resilience
  • Mix supply types across vehicles to reduce losses
  • Include spare parts, vehicles, and contingency supplies
• Reduce reliance on long routes
  • Use staging points or distributed supplies to shorten travel distances

Early planning is critical for effective logistical operations. Starting early allows risks, constraints, and resource gaps to be addressed before execution.

Key considerations:

• Attend briefings
  • Understand mission objectives, timelines, and support requirements
• Identify resources
  • Assess available personnel, vehicles, and supplies
  • Coordinate with relevant elements (e.g. leadership)
• Plan routes
  • Identify primary and alternate supply routes
  • Consider terrain, distance, and enemy activity
• Assess risk
  • Identify threats to movement and resupply
  • Develop basic mitigation measures in advance

• Identify the receiving element and delivery location
• Confirm required supplies before departure
• Transport supplies using an appropriate route and vehicle
• Deliver supplies at the designated location
• Confirm receipt and report completion of the task

• Identify all active resupply and support requirements
• Assess the operational impact of each request
• Prioritise support based on mission requirements and urgency
• Allocate available resources to the highest priority tasks
• Reassess priorities as the situation changes

The force type being supported determines the type, quantity, and delivery method of logistical support. Each force type has different consumption patterns, mobility constraints, and resupply requirements (see  FM/G377 - Line infantry force types and FM/G378 - Specialist infantry force types).

Key considerations:

• Light infantry
  • High demand for small arms ammunition and medical supplies
  • Limited organic transport capacity
  • Require frequent, distributed resupply
• Motorised / protected mobility infantry
  • Increased demand for fuel and vehicle maintenance
  • Require resupply points accessible by vehicles
  • Balance between infantry and vehicle support
• Mechanised / armoured infantry
  • High demand for:
    • Vehicle ammunition
    • Fuel
    • Repair and recovery support
  • Require forward resupply and recovery planning
  • May need replacement vehicles to maintain combat power
• Air mobile / air assault / airborne forces
  • Limited or restricted ground access
  • Depend on air resupply and pre-positioned supplies
  • Require:
    • Landing zones (LZs)
    • Staged supply caches
  • High risk to supply lines and delivery assets
• Specialist force types (e.g. amphibious, littoral, riverine)
  • Require tailored delivery methods (air, sea, or mixed)
  • May operate in logistically restrictive environments
  • Require planning for non-standard supply routes

The type of operation being supported determines the priority of supplies, equipment, and support methods.

Key differences:

• Peacekeeping
  • Low ammunition usage
  • Increased need for medical support and humanitarian supplies
  • Likely requirement for civilian support and transport
• Counter-insurgency
  • Moderate ammunition usage, including launcher resupply
  • Increased focus on IED-related medical support and clearance tasks
  • Continued need for humanitarian support
• Conventional operations
  • High ammunition consumption
  • Frequent medical resupply due to sustained combat
  • Increased need for vehicle repair, rearm, and replacement assets

Supporting considerations:

• Construction requirements
  • Peacekeeping: aid camps and infrastructure
  • Combat operations: operating bases and defensive positions
• Threat levels
  • Low-threat: minimal security requirements
  • Medium-threat: require convoy security and route awareness
  • High-threat: establish protected supply routes and forward positions

A Forward Resupply Point (FRP) is a temporary location used to store and distribute supplies and equipment to forward-deployed units, typically positioned close to the front line. When planning or operating, its location should prioritise easy access from logistical hubs, safe airborne routes, and suitable landing zones, while also considering rear-area security and how efficiently supplies can move in and out. Locations with restricted access (such as a single entry/exit) or no suitable landing zone nearby should be avoided. Terrain and concealment should be used where possible to provide natural cover and reduce the personnel required for security.

FRPs may include or be divided into Vehicle Resupply Points (VRPs) and Infantry Resupply Points (IRPs), either as part of a larger site or dispersed independently to reduce force concentration and risk:

• VRP: Provides rearmament of vehicle weapons, refuelling, and full vehicle repairs. It may also be used as a staging point for spare vehicles or for storage of transport and utility vehicles when not in use.
• IRP: Acts as the main resupply point for personnel, providing ammunition, supplies, and equipment to units in the Area of Operation. It may also include a Casualty Collection Point (CCP) or Field Hospital, and can be used as a staging point for CMT or MERT. 

Select and establish a location appropriate to establish a resupply point according to the capabilities needed and accounting the following factors :

• The security of the area (surroundings and within the location itself)
• Space needed to receive the elements during their resupply (infantry and vehicles)
• Ease of access for support elements and vehicles to receive and distribute supplies
• Amount of entry/exit points and appropriate for the types of vehicles supported
• Amount of Vehicle Resupply Stations for the intended throughput

 A VRP or FRP has one or more Vehicle Resupply Stations (VRS), those are locations where a vehicle can receive services. The station is designated to service one vehicle at a time, it should have enough space to accommodate manoeuvring of the assets deployed.

• Markings are used to identify the station and the services available at the station. A standard structure is used for easy recognition.
• The upper section represents the Station Identifier, one or two letters.
• The lower third is split into three sections, each representing the available service with it's icon. The icons are always in the following order:
  • Rearm, 
  • Refuel, 
  • Repair. 
• Services not available at the station are not represented and their assigned space is left empty.

Repair facilities and repair vehicles provide maintenance and recovery capability for damaged vehicles.

Key considerations:

• Position repair assets where damaged vehicles can reach them easily
• Ensure sufficient space for vehicle recovery and maintenance
• Avoid locations exposed to enemy observation or indirect fire
• Establish forward repair capability when supporting mechanised or armoured forces

Repair vehicles provide mobile maintenance support and can move with the supported force as the situation changes.

Specific repair facilities and repair vehicles available may vary depending on the mission setting and enabled mods.

Construction projects should be planned before deployment, particularly when building large compounds or defensive positions.

Key considerations:

• Use terrain effectively
  • Take advantage of elevated positions and existing structures
  • Ensure sufficient flat ground for construction
• Consider surrounding terrain
  • Use natural obstacles such as rivers or steep slopes
  • Avoid locations overlooked by nearby high ground or concealed approaches
• Maintain access
  • Consider proximity to roads and supply routes where regular access is required
  • Avoid creating predictable approaches to defensive positions
• Partition the site
  • Separate key facilities to reduce the effects of attack or accidents
  • Use barriers and walls to limit blast effects and line of sight between sensitive areas

Construction assets require a nearby construction vehicle or tool before structures can be built.

Common construction assets include:

• Toolbox
  • Basic construction asset
  • Can be transported in most Boxloader cargo systems
• Advanced Construction Vehicles
  • Required for larger structures such as HESCO barriers and TEMPER tent floors
  • Most repair vehicles qualify as advanced construction assets

Ensure the appropriate construction asset is available before transporting components to the construction site.

Boxloader provides a range of structures that can be grouped according to their purpose.

Defensive Perimeter

• HESCO Barriers
  • Available in multiple heights
  • Suitable for rapidly establishing protected perimeters
  • Faster to deploy on a large scale than sandbags
• Concertina Wire
  • Restricts infantry movement
  • Effective when combined with barriers, obstacles, or kill zones

Defensive Positions

• Sandbags
  • Provide individual protection
  • Suitable for fighting positions, overhead cover, and reinforcement
• Wood Walls and Platforms
  • Enable elevated firing positions
  • Can be combined with other fortifications to create layered defences

Tents and Facilities

• Maintenance Enclosure
  • High-clearance shelter suitable for vehicle maintenance
• TEMPER Tent System
  • Modular tent system consisting of connectable sections
  • Supports construction of facilities of varying sizes
  • Compatible with accessories such as lighting, vestibules, and medical signage

• Select a construction site that supports the intended defensive plan
• Position construction components according to the design
• Verify alignment and placement before construction
• Use an appropriate construction asset to build the structure
• Confirm completed fortifications provide the intended protection and fields of fire

Boxloader uses deployable components and construction assets to enable field construction.

Construction requires two elements:

• Construction assets
  • Used to build deployed components
  • Available in regular and advanced variants
  • Advanced assets are required for larger structures such as HESCO barriers and TEMPER tent floors
• Construction components
  • Includes items such as sandbags, barbed wire, tent sections, and HESCO barriers
  • Usually transported in a packed state
  • Can be moved, positioned, and configured using the interaction menu

When handling construction components:

• Be aware that carried objects retain physical simulation
• Avoid moving components through personnel or vehicles
• Confirm positioning before construction begins

Once components are positioned:

• Ensure no further adjustments are required
• Place a construction asset within approximately 10 metres
• Use the appropriate build action to complete construction

Completed structures cannot normally be removed or repositioned.

Boxloader and Vehicle-in-Vehicle systems allow objects to be attached to vehicles and other loaded objects. This enables visible cargo loading and more realistic transportation of supplies and equipment.

Objects may be stacked onto other loaded objects, subject to vehicle weight and size limitations.

Excessive stacking can cause issues such as:

• Clipping and desynchronisation
• Reduced performance
• Increased server load
• Vehicle instability

To reduce these effects, use packed containers and pallets where possible. Packed objects disable simulation of their contents and are more efficient for transport.

As a general rule, limit stacking to two levels above the carrying vehicle.

Examples:

• HEMTT Flatbed → ISO Container (Packed) → Supplies
• Chinook (ViV) → Polaris → Supplies
• MTRV → Flatbed Trailer → 463L Pallet (Packed) → Supplies

• Load required supplies and equipment into vehicle inventory
• Verify requested items are present before departure
• Remove unauthorised or unnecessary items
• Deliver supplies to the designated location

• Load supplies and equipment onto vehicles using Boxloader interactions
• Use packed containers and pallets where available
• Secure loads before movement
• Ensure the unloading area is clear before unloading cargo

• Load and unload supplies using ACE Cargo interactions
• Organise cargo to maximise available space
• Coordinate with nearby personnel during loading and unloading
• Confirm cargo has been transferred before departure

• Coordinate with aircrew before the drop
• Confirm the drop location and recovery area
• Account for aircraft speed and altitude
• Consider expected drift and terrain effects
• Release supplies at the planned point
• Confirm supplies have landed in a recoverable location

• LSE: Logistical Support Element
• LSC: Logistics Support Chief, leader of the Logistical Support Element
• LOGI: Logistics, refers to the Logistical Support Element or Logistical Operations as a concept
• LOGPACK / LOGPAK: Short for Logistical Package, can mean a set of defined supplies/equipment (a Logistical Package) or the act of an element resupplying using a Logistical Package
• LH: Logistical Hub, central base able to provide most logistical need, they may be outside the Area of Operation of the combat elements
  FRP: Forward Resupply Point, location designated by the Logistics Support Chief, used as a staging location or to directly provide logistical support
• IRP: Infantry Resupply Point, a type of FRP, location where ground troops are able to rearm and recover equipment
• VRP: Vehicle Resupply Point, a type of FRP,location where vehicles are able to get rearmed, repaired and/or refuelled
• VRS: Vehicle Resupply Station (or Logi Station), specific bay where a vehicle can get serviced. Stations may provide one or multiple services
• RRR / Triple-R: Rearm, Repair, and Refuel, designate the need or the capacity of service in those 3 areas
• ViV: Vehicle in Vehicle, vehicles capable of loading other vehicles onboard

Full Repair is the act of restoring a vehicle to complete functionality by repairing all damaged components.

Full Repair is available near designated repair facilities and certain repair vehicles, depending on mission settings. The process may take a significant amount of time, as it simulates repairing each component sequentially.

Full Repair also restores components that may not have dedicated repair nodes, such as windows or headlights.

Vehicle in-field repair is the act of conducting repairs outside of a VRP or other secure location. This may occur during active combat or in environments where enemy contact is possible.

The purpose of in-field repair is to restore key vehicle functionality rather than full operational capability. This may include enabling the vehicle to move under its own power to exit a danger area or restoring essential weapon functionality on emplaced systems. In-field repairs may be conducted without a supporting repair vehicle or repair station.

Effective coordination with combat elements is important to ensure adequate cover, concealment, and outward suppression for personnel conducting repairs.

Above: An IFV deploying smoke screen as Maintenance Technician provides in-field repairs