The Myanmar PLA operates primarily in the northern and northeastern border regions of the country (Kachin and Shan states), due to the lack of road infrastructure and the constant threat of airstrikes or artillery shelling on motor convoys.

Elephant transport leaves no deep wheel tracks, generates no engine noise or thermal signature, which makes moving supplies through the dense forest canopy virtually invisible to junta drones and aircraft.

Unlike major ethno-national armies (such as the KIA or KNU) that possess their own organized herds, the PLA often recruits elephants along with their local mahouts on a contractual basis or through community logistics support to cross difficult sections of the route.