Which of the following are the four elements of sustainment?

• A. Logistics, Financial Management, Personnel Services, Health Services Support
• B. Logistics, Maintenance, Transportation, Supply
• C. Command and Control, Intelligence, Planning, Operations
• D. Health Services, Morale, Welfare, Combat Readiness

Answer: (A)

Sustainment in operation planning is about keeping the force functioning by providing what it needs: materials and services, money to buy them, people to operate and administer the system, and medical support to maintain readiness. The four elements that together cover these needs are Logistics, Financial Management, Personnel Services, and Health Services Support. Logistics drives the flow of materiel and services—supply, maintenance, transportation, and contracting—to keep units equipped and moving. Financial Management supplies the funding, budgeting, and accounting necessary to pay for operations and procure resources. Personnel Services handles manpower management, payroll, personnel actions, replacements, and related welfare matters to keep the force properly staffed and supported. Health Services Support delivers medical and dental care, preventive health, and battlefield medical services to maintain health and readiness. The other options miss essential pieces: one set centers on logistical tasks only, omitting funding, personnel, and health services; another lists broad command and planning functions not tied to sustainment; and the last includes morale or welfare and combat readiness without the full, formal sustainment components.