Logistics for military troops contains a lot of aspects, but in the context of military interventions we are mainly interested in movement of troops, material and ammunition (sealift, airlift, transport by railway or truck), fuel and communication.

For the US the main role of Belgium is logistical. Most of the military material of the US forces in Germany pass through the port of Antwerp and through Rotterdam in the Netherlands. The same is valid for the fuel, which is transported by pipeline.

Belgian soldiers depart for interventions abroad mostly from the airport of Melsbroek, which is part of the main civil airport of Zaventem near Brussels. On this airport 10 C-130 transport planes are located.

Britain is relevant in two aspects - as a logistical base for US troops, and in its own right. Most British troop movements are in and out of RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

Brize Norton is today the UK’s main tanker and transport base, supporting both air campaigns (refueling) and ground actions (transport for troops and material). One of the squadrons there (No 99 Squadron) provides transport specifically for the Joint Rapid Reaction Force (In particular, it will host the European A400M Airbus). Brize Norton was used in all “major” conflicts, most recently both Gulf wars, ex-Yougoslavia, and Afghanistan.

For shipments by sea Portsmouth harbour is the main military port. Portsmouth naval base is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy’s surface ships, and home-port to the three aircraft carriers. It is also home to the Fleet Headquarters, which joins together all the areas previously covered by the headquarters of the Surface Flottila, the Royal Marines, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Naval Aviation.