information and estimates from all the battalions are consolidated to
form the rail transportation plan and forwarded to the transportation
command, theater army support command (TASCOM). Here the assistant
chief of staff, movements, integrates it into the overall movements
plan for the theater.
At this point the first question asked in paragraph 1.1 has been
answered. We know who does the planning and where. Next, we need to
know what information is required for planning.
1.4. INTELLIGENCE DATA NECESSARY FOR PLANNING
Railway planning consists primarily of making estimates of the
capacity of a rail line, the personnel necessary to operate and
maintain it, and the equipment and supplies required for it. Certain
intelligence data to base these estimates on are essential. When all
the needed data are available, planning the operation is somewhat
simplified. However, if the required information is not available
and cannot be readily obtained, the planner must make assumptions
based on what information he does have and on experience gained in
past rail operations. Some of the more important things a planner
needs to know to plan his operation are discussed in the following
subparagraphs.
a. Details shown on maps and photographs, both ground and air,
such as the rail routes, the number and location of railway
facilities, and the number and kind of structures are invaluable to
the planner.
b. A general description of the rail system, its facilities, and
its equipment aids the planner in determining the potential capacity
of the system. The description should give information about the
ownership of the railroad, general operating procedures, railway
organization, and the importance of the system in the economic
structure of the country in which it is located.
c. Detailed basic characteristics of routes, facilities,
equipment, structures, and operations increase the accuracy of a
planner's rail capacity estimates. Intelligence data should include
details on such items as rightofway, roadbed, and track; types and
amount of equipment; supply and maintenance factors such as spare
parts, enginehouse facilities, and locomotive fueling and watering
stations; and availability of personnel.
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