The "art of command" requires performance of highly tuned leadership skills combined with intuition and a sense of direction that, most often, cannot be gained through only study or education. Command also requires a conscious exercise of authority so that responsibilities of decision making and leadership can be controlled through delegation when appropriate. Command and control both require the several divergent aspects of leadership that will combine leadership, the art of command, and the science of control: 1) visualization of the operation; 2) understanding both sides of the geo-political and tactical forces; 3) the ability to force a feasible outcome; 4) the ability to foresee and communicate the dynamics between opposing forces; 5) to describe, direct, and plan for eventual success. Finally, the ability to be successful within any of this rubric is to execute, which is a continual and evolving process that assesses the current state and makes appropriate adjustments to exploit new opportunities. Part 4- BCT and SPO concerns during offensive operations

The Brigade Combat Team (BCT) and Support Operations Officer (SPO) are key components of the modular force and support of logistical operations. The only way Brigade Operations can carry out and execute operations is to have essential supplies -- particularly in offensive operations. These include 35MM, Class III, Class V, Medical and Maintenance. Class III and Class V are critical to sustain operations tempo, and therefore, may be seen as the highest priority to provide for the needs of offensive operations (quick, strategic in planning, tactical bursts, critical for mission success).

Class III -- Class III supplies include fuel, petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL); hydraulic and insulting fluids, preservatives, liquids and gasses, chemical products, coolants, deicer and antifreeze compounds, components, and additives, and/or coal; essentially any fuels needed to keep the equipment performing on a top notch basis so that the needs of the operation can continue.

Class V- Ammunition of all types; bombs, explosives, mines, fuses, detonators, missiles, rockets, propellants, and other associated...

Offensive operations are aggressive and seek to project the military towards territory occupation, to gain or achieve a larger strategic or tactical goal, and may be thought of as an invasion or general attack. Defensive operations are also critical; the attacker cannot keep moving and must eventually stop and recover -- this requires moving into a defensive mode. Sustainment priorities for defensive operations include a focused understanding of the commander's intent and concept of the operation and the ability to anticipate selective elements of the offensive force may need to pause, defend, resupply or reconstitute (e.g. partial defense during certain phases of the operation). Additionally:
Anticipate change in the operational tempo and prepare to weight the effort to meet the needs of the unit

Provide support within the context of both linear and nonlinear operations -- understand how both affect the security of the areas.

Assist maneuver force to mass -- deny incursions, maintain surveillance, provide early warning, and impede and harass the enemy

Anticipate pursuit and exploitation -- and tailor support accordingly

One way to anticipate and think of the prioritization of the sustaining operations in defense is through the acronym SAFE-OPC:

S- Security patrols combined with Listening and observation posts

A -- Automatic weapons place in most appropriate places

F -- Field of Fire designated for everyone

E -- Entrenchment -- backup of resources

O -- Overhead cover

P -- Protection

C -- Camouflage and Concealment