Logistics Support Area
Encyclopedia
In the United States Army
, a Logistics Support Area is a military term which refers to military facilities which act as depot, barracks
, and transportation hubs, providing supplies and personnel to facilities closer to or within arenas of armed conflict. Although the term has been used by the armed forces of a number of nations, currently the term is most closely associated with the largest American bases in Iraq, established during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Within that context, the LSAs act both as division headquarters, major depots, fixed wing air bases, and rest and recreation areas supporting the Forward Operating Base
s (FOB) from which most military operations emanate. Long term plans call for US and other Coalition Forces to hand over most existing FOBs to the Iraqi Security Forces
and operate from the LSAs.
Within Iraq, the current LSAs are:
While not listed as an LSA in the OIF order of battle, the enormous Baghdad International Airport
facility fills a similar function.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, a Logistics Support Area is a military term which refers to military facilities which act as depot, barracks
Barracks
Barracks are specialised buildings for permanent military accommodation; the word may apply to separate housing blocks or to complete complexes. Their main object is to separate soldiers from the civilian population and reinforce discipline, training and esprit de corps. They were sometimes called...
, and transportation hubs, providing supplies and personnel to facilities closer to or within arenas of armed conflict. Although the term has been used by the armed forces of a number of nations, currently the term is most closely associated with the largest American bases in Iraq, established during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Within that context, the LSAs act both as division headquarters, major depots, fixed wing air bases, and rest and recreation areas supporting the Forward Operating Base
Forward Operating Base
A forward operating base is any secured forward military position, commonly a military base, that is used to support tactical operations. A FOB may or may not contain an airfield, hospital, or other facilities. The base may be used for an extended period of time. FOBs are traditionally supported...
s (FOB) from which most military operations emanate. Long term plans call for US and other Coalition Forces to hand over most existing FOBs to the Iraqi Security Forces
Iraqi Security Forces
The Iraqi Armed Forces are the military forces of the Government of Iraq. They consist of the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Air Force, and the Iraqi Navy....
and operate from the LSAs.
Within Iraq, the current LSAs are:
- LSA Adder, near NasiriyahNasiriyahNasiriyah is a city in Iraq. It is on the Euphrates about 225 miles southeast of Baghdad, near the ruins of the ancient city of Ur. It is the capital of the province of Dhi Qar...
. - LSA Anaconda, near BaladBaladAl-Balad is the historical area of Jeddah, the second largest city of Saudi Arabia. Balad can literally be translated as "The City." Balad is the historic center of the City of Jeddah. Balad traces its history 2,500 years back as a fishing village when the Quda'a fishermen tribe settled...
. - LSA Diamondback, at MosulMosulMosul , is a city in northern Iraq and the capital of the Ninawa Governorate, some northwest of Baghdad. The original city stands on the west bank of the Tigris River, opposite the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh on the east bank, but the metropolitan area has now grown to encompass substantial...
Airbase. - LSA Viper, near the Jalibah Southeast airfield, 65 km from NasiriyahNasiriyahNasiriyah is a city in Iraq. It is on the Euphrates about 225 miles southeast of Baghdad, near the ruins of the ancient city of Ur. It is the capital of the province of Dhi Qar...
(Dhi Qar)
While not listed as an LSA in the OIF order of battle, the enormous Baghdad International Airport
Baghdad International Airport
Baghdad International Airport, originally Saddam International Airport, , BIAP is Iraq's largest airport, located in a suburb about west of downtown Baghdad in the Baghdad Governorate...
facility fills a similar function.