Where must services operate from to sustain the operating force?

Services must operate from fixed locations to effectively sustain the operating force due to several key factors. Fixed locations provide the necessary infrastructure and stability required to maintain consistent logistics, supply chain management, and resource allocation.

When services are based in fixed locations, they benefit from the ability to establish permanent facilities that can be equipped with essential resources and technology tailored to the needs of the operating force. This permanence allows for better planning and organization, ensuring that personnel have reliable access to support services like maintenance, medical care, and supply distribution.

Additionally, fixed locations facilitate the development of a mission-centric environment where training, administration, and operations can be conducted seamlessly without the disruptions that mobile units or temporary setups might encounter. This stability is crucial for sustaining the morale and operational readiness of the forces, as it creates a secure base for troops to return to, ensuring they have the necessary support to carry out their missions effectively.

In contrast, while mobile units and deployable bases can offer flexibility and rapid response capabilities, they often lack the sustained, comprehensive support that fixed locations can provide. Temporary setups may be necessary in some situations but do not typically offer the long-term sustainability that fixed locations are designed for. Thus, the choice of fixed locations is pivotal for maintaining an effective and robust