Military Leadership Role in Sustainment Journal

The CSM/SGM plays a critical role in sustainment. Sustainment is crucial for “operational reach,” “freedom of action,” and also “prolonged endurance” (Runnels, 2013). In the role of logistics and coordination during sustainment, the SGM.CSM makes sure the strategies and tactics can be implemented with maximum efficiency, effectiveness, and expedience.

The primary components of sustainment include all logistics (for both inbound and outbound supply coordination and distribution), personnel services (including medical support and other staff assistance), and the integration of special staff requirements such as engineering or repairs (ADRP 4-0). Transportation services, legal support, and financial services may also be required during the sustainment process (FM 3-96). The CSM/SGM meets regularly with the commander to ascertain needs and evaluate the effectiveness of current sustainment strategies. Likewise, the CSM/SGM coordinates with strategic personnel for coordinating services and allocating resources as needed, within specified budgets and time frames. Timeliness and clear communications are among the most important of the qualities needed for effective sustainment.

Because of how demanding the sustainment process it, the CSM/SGM needs to build a responsible and responsive sustainment staff, delegating tasks as required and ensuring ongoing coordination of services. Positions of leadership in sustainment include the executive officer and the logistics staff officer, with specialists serving in human resources management and financial management positions too (FM 3-96). Needs will change, sometimes suddenly, requiring the CSM/SGM to be capable of dealing with unanticipated challenges and managing risk and crises. The CSM/SGM also needs to understand what services and resources are available, the approximate time it would take to receive such services or personnel, and to use creative thinking to solve problems.

References

ADRP 4-0

FM 3-96

Runnels, J.A. (2013). The role and responsibility of the Command Sergeant Major within the Armor Brigade Combat Team in the Sustainment Warfighting Function