Combat Service Support of Airland Battle Doctrine

AirLand Battle is the U.S. Army's doctrine for fighting the next mid to high intensity conflict. To be successful the doctrine requires a homogenous combined arms force specifically organized, equipped, and trained to execute its maneuver style of warfare. Each component, combat, combat support and combat service support must be an equal contributor to total force balance and homogeneity. This paper looks at one of these components, the combat service support system, to determine if it is an enhancement to the success of the Army's basic maneuver unit, the heavy division. The battlefield environment, doctrinal tenets (synchronization, agility, depth, and initiative) and sustainment imperatives (anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation) are examined to determine the requirements they place on the combat service support system. These requirements are used as the basis of analysis of the current system by functional area (supply, maintenance, medical, transportation and services). The author concludes that the current sustainment system fails in many aspects to meet the requirements of the doctrine. Some of the differences between doctrinal requirements and current capabilities are unique to specific logistics functional areas but most cut across multi-functions, indicating the need for an integrated total sustainment system review. To develop a balanced system, one balanced among the various logistics functions and within the total combined arms force and capable of executing the doctrine. In the final analysis, this paper seeks to increase awareness and encourage critical thought about the current doctrine and sustainment system.