FM 4-0, Sustainment - GlobalSecurity.org

Roles and Responsibilities for Providing Sustainment in Unified ActionThe corps HQ has the capability to provide the nucleus of a joint HQ. However, the ability of the corps totransition to a joint task force (JTF) HQ or joint force land component command (JFLCC) HQ is heavilydependent on other Service augmentation. The transition of a modular corps HQ to a joint HQ relies on atimely fill of joint positions, receipt of joint enabling capabilities, and comprehensive pre-activationtraining as a joint HQ.DIVISION2-66. Divisions are the Army’s primary tactical warfighting HQ. Their principal task is directingsubordinate brigade operations. Divisions are not fixed formations. Therefore, they may not have all typesof BCTs in an operation or they may control more than one of a particular type of BCT. A division cancontrol up to six BCTs with additional appropriate supporting brigades during major combat operations.The types of support brigades are combat aviation, fires, maneuver enhancement, battlefield surveillance,and sustainment. The Sust Bde normally remains attached to the TSC but supports the division. Thedivision may have OPCON of a Sust Bde while conducting large-scale exploitation and pursuitoperations.BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM (BCT)2-67. As combined arms organizations, BCTs form the basic building block of the Army’s tacticalformations. They are the principal means of executing engagements. Three standardized BCT designsexist: heavy, infantry, and Stryker. Battalion-sized maneuver, fires, reconnaissance, and Brigade SupportBattalion (BSB) are organic to BCTs.THEATER SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (TSC)2-68. The TSC serves as the senior Army sustainment HQ for the Theater Army. The TSCprovides C2 of units assigned, attached, or under its OPCON. The mission of the TSC is to providetheater sustainment (less medical). See FM 4-93.4 for more information on the TSC.2-69. The TSC is capable of planning, preparing, executing, and assessing logistics and human resourcesupport for Army forces in theater or JFC. It provides support to full spectrum operations. As thedistribution coordinator in theater, the TSC leverages strategic partnerships and joint capabilities toestablish an integrated theater-level distribution system that is responsive to Theater Army requirements.It employs Sust Bdes to execute theater opening (TO), theater sustainment, and theater distributionoperations.2-70. The TSC includes units capable of providing multifunctional logistics: supply, maintenance,transportation, petroleum, port, and terminal operations. Other specialized capabilities, such as MA, aerialdelivery, human resources, sustainment to I/R operations, and FM, are available from the force pool. Thecombination of these capabilities gives the TSC commander the ability to organize and provide tailoredsupport.EXPEDITIONARY SUSTAINMENT COMMAND (ESC)2-71. Expeditionary Sustainment Commands (ESC) are force pooled assets that, under a command andcontrol relationship with the TSC, command and control sustainment operations in designated areas of atheater. The ESC plans, prepares, executes, and assesses sustainment, distribution, theater opening, andreception, staging, and onward movement operations for Army forces in theater. It provides operationalreach and span of control. It may serve as a basis for an expeditionary joint command when directed bythe GCC or designated multinational or joint task force commander. It normally deploys to providecommand and control when multiple Sust Bdes are employed or when the TSC determines that a forwardcommand presence is required. This capability provides the TSC commander with the regional focusnecessary to provide effective operational-level support to Army or JTF missions.30 April 2009 FM 4-0 2-11