The best example of sustainment is taking place in Iraq. Right now, U.S. forces in Iraq are focused on sustainment and defensive operations. The successes or failures in sustainment operations are typically a result of a spider webbing crack of failure within one of the elements of sustainment. The element of sustainment, as outlined in ADRP 4-0 are: logistics, personnel services, and health support services.
Logistics is one of the main challenges in sustainment, in any new theater. Iraq may not be new to U.S. forces, but the Iraq of 2003 is drastically different than the Iraq of 2014. That being said, the logistical requirements are the same, but the logistical systems must operate differently. In 2003 U.S. forces entered the country against the will of the government. This posed the least amount of restrictions on logistics, only limited by our ability to move across the depth and breadth of the battlefield. In 2014, U.S. forces went into Iraq in cooperation with the Iraqi government. Transportation is extremely limited. There is absolutely zero U.S. movement on the ground. All movements go by air. The main logistical issues are with moving people, equipment, beans, and bullets across the border. Diplomatic clearances have U.S. forces halted at some points for
…show more content…
In order to have a force that is focused on their jobs and the war effort, they must be taken care of. ADRP 4-0 states that “personnel services include: human resources, financial management, legal, religious, and band support” (p. 4-6). Human resources ranges from personnel accountability to morale, welfare, recreation and community support. In Iraq right now, some of these services are performed by military personnel, while others are contracted out so the troops available can focus on the fight and not worry about stocking towels in the gym. Religious support is a critical element to personnel services as