Sustainment Warfighting Function

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The sustainment warfighting function is the related tasks and systems that provide support and services to ensure freedom of action, extended operational reach, and prolong endurance (ADP 3-0). Sustainment determines the depth and duration of Army operations (ADP 3-0). Successful sustainment enables freedom of action by increasing the number of options available to the commander. Sustainment is essential for retaining and exploiting the initiative. The sustainment warfighting function consists of four elements: logistics, financial management, personnel services and health service support as shown in the sustainment warfighting function logic chart.

I. Logistics

Logistics is planning and executing the movement and support of forces. It includes those aspects of military operations that deal with: design and development; acquisition, storage, movement, distribution, maintenance, and disposition of materiel; acquisition or construction, maintenance, operation, and disposition of facilities; and acquisition or furnishing of services. The explosive ordnance disposal tasks are discussed under the protection warfighting function. Army logistics elements are:

• Maintenance
• Transportation
• Supply
• Field Services
• Distribution
• Operational contract support
• General engineering

See pp. 3-5 to 3-42 of SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. for further discussion.

II. Financial Management
Financial management leverages fiscal policy and economic power across the range of military operations. Financial management encompasses finance operations and resource management.

See pp. 3-43 to 3-44 of SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. Ed for further discussion.

III. Personnel Services

Personnel services are those sustainment functions related to Soldiers’ welfare, readiness, and quality of life. Personnel services complement logistics by planning for and coordinating efforts that provide and sustain personnel. Personnel services include—

• Human resources support
• Legal support
• Religious support
• Band support

See pp. 3-45 to 3-46 of SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. for further discussion.

IV. Health Service Support

Army Health System (AHS) support includes both health service support and force health protection that are critical capabilities embedded within formations across all warfighting functions. The force health protection mission falls under the protection warfighting function and will not be covered in this publication (see ADP 3-37).

Health service support encompasses all support and services performed, provided, and arranged by the Army Medical Department to promote, improve, conserve, or restore the behavioral and physical well-being of Army personnel and as directed, unified action partners (UAPs). Health service support includes the following—

• Casualty care, which encompasses a number of medical functions, including:
– Medical treatment (organic and area medical support).
– Hospitalization.
– Dental care (treatment aspects).
– Behavioral health/neuropsychiatric treatment.
– Clinical laboratory services.
– Treatment of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear patients).
• Medical evacuation (including medical regulating).
• Medical logistics (including blood management).

See pp. 3-47 to 3-50 of SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. for further discussion.


SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. EdThis article is an extract from “SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. Ed (Guide to Operational & Tactical Level Sustainment)” by The Lightning Press. Download a free PDF sample and learn more at:SMFLS5: The Sustainment & Multifunctional Logistics SMARTbook, 5th Ed. Ed (Guide to Operational & Tactical Level Sustainment).”

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