1. The Army's goal in combat service support.
a. The Battlefield
(1) The Army's operational concept for Airland Battle is detailed in FM
100-5. The term's initiative, depth, agility, and synchronization can best summarize the
concept.
(2) The battlefield of central Europe and those of other potential theaters
of operation pose great challenges, not only to the combat force that fights on them, but
also to the combat service support (CSS) units that must sustain the force. US forces
must make the most of what they have. They must take advantage of every logistics
asset. CSS planners and operators must possess the same qualities as combat leaders in
order to adequately support the tactical plan.
(3) The collapse of the Soviet Union changed the threats facing the US.
The main danger now is the resurgence of hard-line politics in any of the former Soviet
republics trying to revise their former power. Economic chaos adds to the threat imposed
as emerging powers sell weapons to stabilize their economies. In addition, the collapse
of the former Soviet Union has made the world more unstable since the Soviet
government suppressed many regional conflicts within its borders. These conflicts
continue to emerge, threatening peace in all areas of the world.
b. Logistics Support
(1) Combat Service Support Planning
(a) Combat service support planning is a continuing and essential
function that must be a primary focus of the commander and staff members of the support
battalion. This planning is accomplished concurrently with the tactical plan development
in coordination with the brigade S4 to ensure that tactical schemes of maneuver and fire
support are logistically supportable.
(b) For combat service support to be effective, the support
battalion commander and staff must have guidance references. They must know the
current and anticipated combat and support posture of the brigade. For planning guides,
there are no better sources than current experience data derived from actual operations
that have been conducted by a deployed brigade or regiment in combat. When such
sources are lacking, guidance for CSS planning can be found in many pertinent
publications: FM 8-55, FM 10-27, and FM 55-15.
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