CHAPTER 4 ADVANCED BASE PLANNING AND EMBARKATION

Learning Objective: Recognize the principles involved in the use of the Facilities Planning Guide and identify procedures used in preparing material and equipment for embarkation.

The Advanced Base Functional Component (ABFC) system was developed to provide support facilities to constantly changing tactical and strategic situations. A modular or building-block concept was developed. Components were needed that would incorporate personnel, materials, equipment, and facilities. These components were designed and developed to fulfill specific functions, no matter where the components were placed. The Navy ABFC system is based on early experiences in advanced base planning and shipment used in World War II. Additional improvements were adopted from experiences learned in Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf.

ABFCs are normally complete entities. The basic groupings of the ABFC system are (1) component, a complete unit; (2) facility, a portion of a complete component; and (3) assembly, a portion of a facility. ABFCs, though normally complete, may not be supplied with housing, messing, medical facilities, maintenance facilities, defensive ordnance, communication equipment, and utilities with each component. These service components or facilities are to be integrated into an overall base development or augmentation plan. The ABFC system consists of two general-purpose publications: Table of Advanced Base Functional Components with Abridged Initial Outfitting Lists, OPNAV 41P3A, and Facilities Planning Guide, volumes 1 and 2, NAVFAC P-437.

ABFCs are assigned descriptive names to indicate their functions and alphanumeric designators to facilitate reference. A detailed advanced base initial outfitting list (ABIOL) is an itemized line-item printout of the material in each ABFC. Each system's command or bureau is responsible for maintaining a detailed listing of that part of the ABIOL assigned to it.

This chapter discusses use of the Facilities Planning Guide, NAVFAC P-437, which is an advanced base planning document. This chapter will provide you with guidelines for a system of preparing material, equipment, and personnel for embarkation.

FACILITIES PLANNING GUIDE

When tasked to assist in planning the construction of an advanced base, you should consult the Facilities Planning Guide. This FPG document identifies the structures and supporting utilities of the Navy ABFC system. This system was developed to make pre-engineered facility designs and corresponding material lists available to planners at all levels. While these designs relate primarily to expected needs at advanced bases and to the Navy ABFC system, they also can be used to satisfy peacetime requirements. Facility, logistic, and construction planners will find the information required to select and document the materials necessary to construct facilities.

The NAVFAC P-437 consists of two volumes. Volume 1 contains reproducible engineering drawings organized as follows:

Part 1, Component Site Plans, indexed by component and ABFC designation

Part 2, Facility Drawings, indexed by facility number and DoD category code

Part 3, Assembly Drawings, containing assembly information and indexed by assembly number

Each drawing is a detailed construction drawing that describes and lists the facilities, assemblies, or line items required to complete it. A summary of logistic, construction, and cost data is provided for each component, facility, and assembly of the ABFC system. A component is defined as a grouping of personnel and material that has a specific function or mission at an advanced base. Whether located overseas or in CONUS, a component is supported by facilities and assemblies.