Line of communication

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A line of communication (or communications) is the route that connects an operating military unit with its supply base. Supplies and reinforcements are transported along the line of communication, therefore a secure and open line of communication is vital for any military force to continue to operate effectively.

The standard military abbreviation is LOC or SLOC for Sea line of communication or ALOC for Air lines of communication.

The interdiction of supplies and reinforcements to units closer to the front lines is therefore an important strategic goal for opposing forces. Some notable examples:

• The encirclement of 6th Army in the Battle of Stalingrad
• United States attacks on the Ho Chi Minh trail during the Vietnam War

[edit] Notes

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[edit] References

• The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. Copyright © 2001, 2002 by Oxford University Press

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