FM 4-0, Sustainment - GlobalSecurity.org

Chapter 4Integrating Sustainment into OperationsIntegration is a key principle of sustainment. Effective integration of sustainment setsthe conditions to ensure mission success and extend strategic and operational reach.Integration begins with the operations process—planning, preparation, execution, andcontinuous assessment. It is conducted simultaneously and in synchronization withthe operations plan development. Sustainment must be integrated across each level ofwar and with joint and multinational operations. This chapter covers how sustainmentis integrated into the operations process to support full spectrum operations—offense,defense, stability, and civil support operations.INTEGRATING SUSTAINMENT INTO THE OPERATIONS PROCESS4-1. The operations process consists of the major C2 activities performed during operations: planning,preparing, executing, and continuously assessing the operations (FM 3-0). Integrating sustainment with theoperations process across each level of war is vital for ensuring the synchronization of sustainment with theWFFs and unity of effort during operations. Integrating sustainment with joint and multinational operationsallow forces to conduct operations using mutual support capabilities while reducing redundancy andcompetition for limited resources. Commanders and staff s at every level must make all efforts to integratesustainment with the operations process. Figure 4-1 illustrates the operations process.Figure 4-1. The Operations Process30 April 2009 FM 4-0 4-1