The heavy division consumes vast quantities of fuel during offensive operations using AirLand Battle Doctrine. The current petroleum distribution system, using 5,000 gallon semitrailer tankers and heavy expanded mobility tactical truck tankers, is not designed to sustain the heavy division over extended offensive operations. The heavy division is an offensive weapon requiring fuel to reach its potential. This study examines the current problem of fueling the heavy division and provides a proposal for solving the problem. The solution is centered on using 7,000 gallon palletized loading systems (PLS) to replace the 5,000 gallon semitrailer tankers currently distributing fuel to the heavy division. Through the process of the paper the problem is addressed in terms relative to current AirLand Battle Doctrine, literature related to the problem, historical aspects of fueling operations, and current fueling doctrine. The proposed system is explained and is then compared to the current fueling distribution system. The analysis is qualitative in nature and is built around the framework of the offense (preparation, attack, exploitation, and pursuit). The study concludes that PLS is the fuel distribution system of the future due to its excellent mobility and its ability to get more fuel farther forward than the current system.

ADA 257143 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)