Combat Service Support
The term combat service support (or CSS) is utilized by numerous military organizations throughout the world to describe entities that provide direct and indirect sustainment services to the groups that engage (or are potentially to be engaged) in combat. Combat service support units provide supplies, maintenance and transportation during operations. In some cases, a CSS unit may even provide medical care for wounded soldiers in battle.
United Kingdom
The U.K. armed forces have trained, equipped and innovative “teeth” units that provide defense support such as logistical and transport capabilities. The teeth and tail work together to ensure the fulfillment of their mission – to prevent conflict, secure peace, respond to emerging threats and provide humanitarian assistance in support of UK foreign policy.
United States
Combat service support is a term used in both the United States Army and United States Marine Corps, referring to units and personnel that provide direct support to the combat units of divisions and brigades allowing them to continue their missions. Combat service support units and personnel may include food service, transportation, maintenance, health care and other related disciplines. In the United States Army, units that provide combat service support are combined with combat arms into functional combatant commands known as sustainment brigades.
Australia
Combat service support includes logistics, health services and military police provided to a combat element. Combat service support is provided at various levels. First line support is organic to a battalion or regiment and can include supply, maintenance and transport functions. Second line support is based at brigade level, involving specialist companies which provide additional medical services, engineer works, signals communications and ordnance supply and maintenance functions. Third line support is provided by formation level units such as combat service support battalions or medical health units.