Synchronizing the Sustainment of the Heavy Division and Its Supporting Corps CS (Combat Support) and CSS (Combat Service Support) Elements

This monograph examines the proposed doctrinal command and control interface between the heavy division and the forward Corps Support Battalion, a newly proposed multi-functional battalion. The purpose is to determine if the prescribed interface effectively allows the division commander to synchronize the sustainment of all his combat power including his corps augmentation. The Corps Support Battalion is part of a test proposal by the U.S. Army Logistics Center to streamline logistics command and control within the Corps Support Command. The proposal is currently being evaluated in the field using provisionally formed Corps Support Battalions and reorganized Corps Support Groups. The battalion would provide logistics direct support to all corps units operating in or in front of a committed divisions's sector. Three recommendations derive from these identified interface shortcomings. Logically, the conflicts between the three field manuals must be corrected. Additionally, the U.S. Army Logistics Center should continue work to determine a complete list of minimal critical information needed for the interface and to develop guidelines and favorable circumstances for specifying a command or support relationship for the interface. Finally the results should be included in future editions of appropriate Combat Service Support doctrinal publications. Keywords: Logistics Command and Control; Command and Control; Heavy Division; Sustainment; Corps Support Battalion; Logistics.