The warfighting functions are a set of capabilities that commanders use to accomplish missions and training objectives. The six warfighting functions identified by the U.S. Army are Command and Control, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Sustainment, and Protection. Among these functions, sustainment stands out as one of the most important.
Key Facts
- The warfighting functions: The warfighting functions are a set of capabilities that commanders use to accomplish missions and training objectives. The six warfighting functions identified by the U.S. Army are Command and Control, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Sustainment, and Protection.
- Sustainment as a critical capability: Sustainment is considered one of the most important warfighting functions. It involves providing support and services to ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. Sustainment determines the depth and duration of Army operations and is essential for maintaining and exploiting the initiative.
- Importance of sustainment in large-scale combat operations: In the context of 21st-century warfare and multi-domain operations, sustainment continues to be a crucial capability in support of large-scale combat operations. It enables the generation, projection, and sustainment of military power during the fight.
- Role of sustainment in readiness and modernization: Sustainment plays a vital role in balancing readiness and modernization initiatives. It ensures readiness for the current fight while building towards future objectives, such as Way Point 2028 and Aim Point 2035, in support of the National Defense Strategy.
Sustainment as a Critical Capability
Sustainment involves providing support and services to ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. It determines the depth and duration of Army operations and is essential for maintaining and exploiting the initiative. Sustainment encompasses a wide range of activities, including logistics, maintenance, transportation, and medical support.
Importance of Sustainment in Large-Scale Combat Operations
In the context of 21st-century warfare and multi-domain operations, sustainment continues to be a crucial capability in support of large-scale combat operations. It enables the generation, projection, and sustainment of military power during the fight. The strategic support area (SSA) serves as the hub of the sustainment warfighting function, extending from the Army’s organic industrial base to installations and ports worldwide.
Role of Sustainment in Readiness and Modernization
Sustainment plays a vital role in balancing readiness and modernization initiatives. It ensures readiness for the current fight while building towards future objectives, such as Way Point 2028 and Aim Point 2035, in support of the National Defense Strategy. Sustainment leaders must focus on developing new concepts and capabilities within the doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities framework.
Conclusion
Sustainment is a critical warfighting function that enables the Army to conduct large-scale combat operations and achieve its strategic objectives. It involves providing support and services to ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. Sustainment leaders must focus on developing new concepts and capabilities to meet the challenges of 21st-century warfare and multi-domain operations.
References
- U.S. Army. (2020, October 21). Mastering Sustainment Warfighting Function Capabilities. Army.mil. https://www.army.mil/article/239922/mastering_sustainment_warfighting_function_capabilities
- The Lightning Press. (n.d.). About the Warfighting Functions. The Lightning Press SMARTbooks. https://www.thelightningpress.com/about-warfighting-functions/
- Ryan, T. R. (2022, September-October). Warfighting: A Function of Combat Power. Military Review. https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Military-Review/English-Edition-Archives/September-October-2022/Ryan/
FAQs
What are the six warfighting functions identified by the U.S. Army?
The six warfighting functions are Command and Control, Movement and Maneuver, Intelligence, Fires, Sustainment, and Protection.
Why is sustainment considered one of the most important warfighting functions?
Sustainment involves providing support and services to ensure freedom of action, extend operational reach, and prolong endurance. It determines the depth and duration of Army operations and is essential for maintaining and exploiting the initiative.
What role does sustainment play in large-scale combat operations?
In the context of 21st-century warfare and multi-domain operations, sustainment continues to be a crucial capability in support of large-scale combat operations. It enables the generation, projection, and sustainment of military power during the fight.
How does sustainment contribute to readiness and modernization?
Sustainment plays a vital role in balancing readiness and modernization initiatives. It ensures readiness for the current fight while building towards future objectives, such as Way Point 2028 and Aim Point 2035, in support of the National Defense Strategy.
What is the role of the strategic support area (SSA) in sustainment?
The SSA serves as the hub of the sustainment warfighting function, extending from the Army’s organic industrial base to installations and ports worldwide. It encompasses the generation, projection, and sustainment of military power during the fight.
How do sustainment leaders contribute to the development of new concepts and capabilities?
Sustainment leaders focus on developing new concepts and capabilities within the doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, and facilities framework to meet the challenges of 21st-century warfare and multi-domain operations.
What are some key challenges facing sustainment leaders in the current operating environment?
Sustainment leaders face challenges such as the need to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, the increasing complexity of the battlefield, and the need to operate in a fiscally constrained environment.
How does sustainment contribute to the overall success of military operations?
Sustainment contributes to the overall success of military operations by ensuring that forces have the resources and support they need to accomplish their missions, including food, water, fuel, ammunition, medical care, and transportation.