Which is a Direct Support relationship?

• A. A unit provides dedicated support to a specific force.
• B. A unit provides general support to the entire force.
• C. A unit reinforces another without priority.
• D. A unit coordinates with higher echelon only.

Answer: (A)

Direct Support is when a unit is assigned to assist a specific unit or force with priority, and its actions and resources are oriented to that unit’s needs. The supporting unit works under the mission of the supported force and is kept ready to meet its requirements, ensuring timely, tailored logistics. The described scenario—a unit providing dedicated support to a specific force—exemplifies that relationship because the support is clearly directed to one unit with priority, rather than spreading resources to the whole force. General support allocates resources to the entire force without prioritizing any single unit; reinforcing without priority lacks a dedicated, prioritized pairing; coordinating with higher echelons only involves communication and doesn’t establish a direct support relationship.