Forward Support to the Digitized Division of Force XXI

This study investigates the structure of the digitized division which was approved by the Chief of Staff of the Army in 1998. Specifically this study will address whether or not the combat service support (CSS) concept developed by the combined arms support command (CASCOM) to support the new division design is effective. The concept presented is one that is based on dispersed logistics and is distribution based instead of supply based. The intent of the study is to ensure that in an effort to make logistics more efficient it did not become less effective. The emphasis is on providing flexibility to the maneuver commander and simplifying the military decision making process (MDMP). The division support command (DISCOM) was restructured to support the new CSS concept. The most significant change was the redesign at the battalion level. The support platoons from the maneuver battalions have been put into the forward support battalion (FSB) under the command and control of the logisticians. The FSB was also restructured to facilitate multifunctional companies that would be in direct support to the maneuver battalions. The study explains the implications of the restructuring for both the logisticians and tacticians. This study promotes the new dispersed logistics plan based on the enhancement provided by enablers and validates the CSS concept for the digitized division.