The Warfighting Functions: Protecting and Sustaining

The Warfighting Functions: Protecting and Sustaining

The concept of warfighting functions provides a framework for organizing and executing military operations. There are six warfighting functions that collectively contribute to achieving mission success. In this essay, we will explore the purposes of the Protection and Sustainment warfighting functions, and then discuss how my Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) supports one of these functions.

The Warfighting Functions

The six warfighting functions are as follows:

Mission Command: The purpose of Mission Command is to provide leadership, direction, and guidance to effectively execute operations. It focuses on the commander’s intent, decision-making processes, and ensuring unity of effort among all elements involved.

Movement and Maneuver: Movement and Maneuver involve the physical relocation of forces to gain a positional advantage over the enemy. It encompasses planning, coordination, and execution of tactical movements to achieve operational objectives.

Intelligence: The Intelligence warfighting function involves gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information about the enemy, the environment, and friendly forces. It provides commanders with critical knowledge to make informed decisions and develop effective strategies.

Fires: Fires refer to the use of direct and indirect fires to engage enemy forces and support friendly operations. This function includes artillery, air support, naval gunfire, and other forms of firepower.

Protection: The Protection warfighting function aims to preserve the force by preventing enemy actions that could disrupt or destroy friendly capabilities. It involves conducting security operations, managing risks, and implementing measures to safeguard personnel, equipment, and critical information.

Sustainment: Sustainment encompasses all activities required to support military operations effectively. It involves providing logistics support, including personnel services, transportation, maintenance, supply, and medical services, to ensure the force remains sustained and combat-ready.

My Military Occupation Specialty (MOS)

As an essay writer, I do not have a specific MOS that directly supports a warfighting function. However, I can relate my occupation to the Intelligence warfighting function. Just as intelligence professionals gather information and analyze it to provide commanders with critical knowledge, I gather information through research and analysis to provide insights and understanding through my writing.

Open-Ended Question

To my peers: In your opinion, how does the Fires warfighting function contribute to achieving mission success? What are some challenges that can arise when coordinating and employing fires in a complex operational environment?