The Military Suitability Assessment of Road Infrastructure During Logistical Reconnaissance, Part 1

Abstract

The road sector plays an important role in the integrated transportation system, and its operation and maintenance are also significant importance for the Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF), as it provides a connecting link between the bases of military organizations, airports, seaports and river ports, and railway stations. The movement of forces including military equipment, and personnel — between unloading ports (sea, air, and rail unloading ports) and the receiving operational areas — is carried out through road transport. Moreover, the largest volume of theater movement are carried out by road transportation. Its importance is further increased by the fact that, during wartime, any capacity shortage in the railway sector must be compensated by the road network, enabling rapid access to border areas from the centre of the country. Accordingly, logistical organizations must pay special attention to the gathering and up-to-date maintenance of road infrastructure capacity during the preparation and the entire duration of operations as well. For the targeted recce of information, it is advisable to use checklists and to define requirements for each feature of the criterion. This procedure allows for a faster and more efficient assessment of road infrastructure capacities, which can provide significant support in planning and organizing the movement and transportation of forces. Therefore, the aim of this article is to define requirements for checklists that can enhance the efficiency and speed of military assessments of road infrastructure.