support must include a following buildup and sustainment capability to ensure US forces can perform
the mission in the time required. This situation involves initial deployment of joint US forces to a
country before or after the outbreak of hostilities.
3. Theater Army Water Support. A TA mission is to provide water support to Army forces in the
theater. These forces include the corps, forces in the COMMZ, and other Army forces in the theater.
Water support provided to the corps is chiefly GS while support to COMMZ units includes both DS and
GS. The TA provides water support through its subordinate functional commands and through area-
oriented commands.
a. The Army component of a US unified command responsible for water support to US Army
forces in a theater of operations is normally the TA. TA water support is provided by subordinate
groups, battalions, and CSS commands aligned and organized to provide water support. An important
element is flexibility. The TA has an organizational flexibility which allows for its expansion or change
depending on the situations met in the conflict.
b. In joint operations, PWRMS may be limited in the theater and HNS agreements may not
provide enough water resources. Contingency combined operations may afford nominal land or naval
theater pre-positioning of water as well as implementing existing or hastily negotiated HNS agreements
for water resources with the country or countries in the AO. In contingency operations, water support
units are structured to permit situation dependent growth and maturity. This built-in flexibility enhances
the Army component commander's capability to support the battle.
c. Each area command provides water support through subordinate area organizations and
coordination with functional command organizations. The number and size of the area commands are
initially determined by the size of the supporting force and the composition of the force to be supported.
The nature of the operations, geographical features of the area, and known international boundaries also
influence the numbers of area commands set up in the COMMZ.
4. Water Support Responsibilities. Commanders and staff planners should know the organizations
that provide water support and their responsibilities.
a. US Army Engineer School. The Engineer School compiles the water resource data base of
surface water sources, potential ground water resources, and existing water supply facilities. Engineers
develop policy for and operate water supply facilities at fixed and semi-fixed installations. Tactical
Engineer units drill and construct wells and provide construction support for water point improvements.
Engineer asses also control all contaminated run-off water to include "black" and "gray" water.
b. US Army Quartermaster Center and School. Tactical QM units provide potable water to
supported units. Water Treatment Specialists (MOS 77W) conduct reconnaissance for raw water
sources. They recommend potential locations for water treatment and supply points; make minor site
improvements; and set up, operate, and maintain water purification, storage, and distribution equipment.
They operate and maintain ground water well pumps and equipment and conduct
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