Purpose. The modern division consumes as much as a World War II field Army. During OPERATION DESERT SHIELD, the defensive phase of the Gulf War, each division required 345,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 50,000 gallons of aviation fuel, 213,000 gallons of water, and 208 40-foot tractor-trailers of other supplies each day, ranging from barrier material to ammunition. During OPERATION DESERT STORM, a 100-hour offensive, a single division consumed 2.4 million gallons of fuel transported on 475 5,000-gallon tankers. Large-scale combat operations are characterized by simultaneous, geographically dispersed operations that occur in various OEs and are challenged across multiple domains. It requires greater sustainment than other types of operations because of the higher operational tempo, greater lethality, and significantly increased consumption of supplies, and equipment. The lethal nature of large-scale combat operations increases the propensity for mass casualties, requirements for mortuary affairs, increased requirements for a robust medical architecture, and large-scale personnel and equipment replacements. Large-scale combat operations will require the distribution system to move a greater volume of personnel and equipment than in other types of operations. Increased velocity and precision will be required to sustain operations.
Sergeants Major are responsible for providing timely and accurate advice to the commander in all matters related to Soldiers in the organization, as well as mission related input and concerns. Knowing the organization needs, strengths, and weaknesses is critical when it comes to equipping the organization with the sources for sustainment and success.
The purpose of this essay is to analyze why as a SGM/CSM you must have an understanding of the organization and sustainment operations to ensure the organization has what it needs to be mission ready. Through your analysis of the fundamentals of US Army Sustainment operations at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels (F201) you should have knowledge of what strategic national sustainment is (F202) and the tools necessary to assist in planning sustainment operations (F203) for tactical level sustainment (F204). Incorporate how Operational Contract Support (F206) supports the three levels of sustainment.
Analyze the concepts you read about in F201, F202, F203, F204, and F206; utilizing key language and terms from these readings, write a 1000-1200 word essay (not including cover and references page) using the Sergeant Major’s perspective. Describe strategic national sustainment (F202) and how US Army sustainment operations (F201) support sustainment operations for the Joint Forces Land Component Commander (JFLCC) (F203). Discuss how this in turn supports tactical level sustainment operations (F204). Include points about how Operational Contract Support (F206) supports all levels of sustainment . Use examples to support your position.
The SMC-DL general writing rubric will be used to assess your work.
1. Describe strategic national sustainment (F202)
2. How US Army sustainment operations (F201) support sustainment operations for the Joint Forces Land Component Commander (F203)
3. Support tactical level sustainment operations (F204)
4. Operational Contract Support (F206) supports all levels of sustainment.
As you conduct your research and analysis, it is up to you to discern from a sergeants major perspective (senior NCO) on how these specific areas work and your role within. After this, you should be able to synthesize it into a well-written paper. The use of accurate examples to support your position or explanation is strongly encouraged to illustrate your mastery of the course material. Examples demonstrate your complete analysis and comprehension of how the concepts and theories you have read can apply within your operational environment. Your paper will have a minimum of three references, you may use course readings to meet this requirement.
From the Sergeant Major's perspective, sustainment is more than just trucks and supplies; it is the cradle of readiness. Every requirement we have at the foxhole, from barrier material to ammunition, begins in the deep industrial base of the United States—the realm of Strategic National Sustainment (F202). This strategic level encompasses the mobilization of the entire national capacity, including the Department of Defense (DOD), interagency partners, and the U.S. industrial and commercial sectors. Entities like the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manage the vast network of commodities and supplies, while the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) ensures the rapid, global projection of combat power from CONUS to the Theater of Operations. My understanding of the strategic level is essential because it defines the art of the possible for my commander. When a critical repair part is required for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, knowing whether that part is DLA-managed, how it is being shipped by USTRANSCOM (commercial sealift versus air freight), and the overall capacity of the industrial base to generate more of it informs my advice on risk management, timeline feasibility, and ultimately, mission scope.From the Sergeant Major's perspective, sustainment is more than just trucks and supplies; it is the cradle of readiness. Every requirement we have at the foxhole, from barrier material to ammunition, begins in the deep industrial base of the United States—the realm of Strategic National Sustainment (F202). This strategic level encompasses the mobilization of the entire national capacity, including the Department of Defense (DOD), interagency partners, and the U.S. industrial and commercial sectors. Entities like the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) manage the vast network of commodities and supplies, while the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) ensures the rapid, global projection of combat power from CONUS to the Theater of Operations. My understanding of the strategic level is essential because it defines the art of the possible for my commander. When a critical repair part is required for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle, knowing whether that part is DLA-managed, how it is being shipped by USTRANSCOM (commercial sealift versus air freight), and the overall capacity of the industrial base to generate more of it informs my advice on risk management, timeline feasibility, and ultimately, mission scope.
Sample Answer
The imperative for mission readiness in Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) is inextricably linked to the reliability and velocity of our sustainment system. As the introduction rightly emphasizes, the modern combat division consumes resources at an astonishing, near-unimaginable rate; the sheer volume of fuel, water, and materiel required for a 100-hour offensive like Operation Desert Storm underscores a fundamental truth: logistics is the ultimate arbiter of operational success. Therefore, my responsibility as a Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major—the principal advisor to the Commander on all matters pertaining to the Soldier and the mission—demands a deep and comprehensive mastery of sustainment operations. This mastery must span from the national industrial base to the final distribution point at the tactical edge. The foundation of our organization’s success rests upon a deliberate understanding of strategic national sustainment (F202), how US Army sustainment doctrine (F201) nests within and supports the Joint Force Land Component Commander (JFLCC) planning (F203), how this flow directly sustains our tactical formations (F204), and the critical role that Operational Contract Support (OCS) (F206) plays across all three levels.The imperative for mission readiness in Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) is inextricably linked to the reliability and velocity of our sustainment system. As the introduction rightly emphasizes, the modern combat division consumes resources at an astonishing, near-unimaginable rate; the sheer volume of fuel, water, and materiel required for a 100-hour offensive like Operation Desert Storm underscores a fundamental truth: logistics is the ultimate arbiter of operational success. Therefore, my responsibility as a Sergeant Major or Command Sergeant Major—the principal advisor to the Commander on all matters pertaining to the Soldier and the mission—demands a deep and comprehensive mastery of sustainment operations. This mastery must span from the national industrial base to the final distribution point at the tactical edge. The foundation of our organization’s success rests upon a deliberate understanding of strategic national sustainment (F202), how US Army sustainment doctrine (F201) nests within and supports the Joint Force Land Component Commander (JFLCC) planning (F203), how this flow directly sustains our tactical formations (F204), and the critical role that Operational Contract Support (OCS) (F206) plays across all three levels.