DIVISIONAL BRIGADE-LEVEL SUPPORT
a. Divisional brigades are tactical HQ assigned to divisions to which variable numbers of maneuver battalions and battalion task forces are assigned. Divisional brigades do not have an organic CSS element other than the support section of the HHC that supports the HQ. Each brigade relies on an FSB for logistics. The FSB is assigned to the division support command (DISCOM) and is given a mission of direct support (DS) to the divisional brigade. The brigade commander is responsible for overall planning and integrating all aspects of brigade operations, including logistics in the brigade area of operations (AO). The brigade S1, S4, the FSB commander, and the FSB support operations officer are the primary CSS planners and operators for the brigade commander.
The brigade S1 normally operates in the brigade rear CP located in the BSA with the S4 section. The S1 is responsible to the brigade commander for maintaining unit strength, personnel, morale, discipline, and law and order. The S1 prepares personnel estimates that identify the strengths and weaknesses of tactical courses of action and identifies personnel requirements of the tactical plan.
The brigade S4 provides logistics information to the commander and functions as the brigade's logistics planner. He coordinates with the battalion XOs and S4s about the status of equipment and supplies. The S4 has representatives in both the main and rear CPs and is normally located at the rear CP. The S4 coordinates with the FSB commander and support operations officer to ensure the brigade commander's logistics priorities are understood and supported.
The FSB commander is the brigade commander's logistics operator. He advises the brigade commander concerning supply, maintenance, field and health services, and implementing the logistics functions throughout the brigade. The FSB commander has operational control over all units and elements within the BSA for CSS activity, movement, security, terrain management (positioning), and synchronization.
The FSB support operations officer coordinates and provides technical supervision for the FSB's logistics mission. He advises the FSB commander on support requirements. He analyzes the FSB's ability to support requirements, plans and monitors support operations, and makes necessary adjustments to ensure support requirements are met. The support operations officer also coordinates with the DISCOM for reinforcing support as required.
The FSB is part of the DISCOM and is task-organized to provide dedicated DS-level logistics support for a specific maneuver brigade in tactical operations. The FSB's primary role is to provide DS to the brigade and divisional units operating in the brigade area. The FSB must support current operations and monitor the implementation of the support plan in conjunction with the brigade S4. The FSB must also plan to support future operations. In addition, the FSB is responsible for organizing all units in the BSA for defense and is responsible to the brigade commander for this mission. The DISCOM reinforces maintenance, medical, and supply capabilities when the mission or size of the brigade dictates. When the FSB is tasked to provide support to nondivisional units in the brigade area, it must be augmented with elements from the corps logistics organization. The FSB is organized with a headquarters and headquarters detachment (HHD), supply company, maintenance company, and medical company