text: Chapter 2
  support is more effective if a commander with the requisite technical and tactical expertise controls the
  supporting unit rather than the supported commander.
  2-144. Support relationships can be an exclusive relationship between two units (direct support), or a broad
  level of support extended to all units under the control of the higher headquarters (general support). While
  reinforcing and general support-reinforcing relationships are not commonly used by sustainment units, these
  relationships are valid for sustainment units and may be designated based on support requirements.
  2-145. Although all support relationships are applicable to sustainment units, direct support and general
  support are the most commonly used. Direct support requires a unit to support another specific unit and
  authorizes it to answer directly to the supported unit’s request for assistance. A unit assigned a direct support
  relationship retains its command relationship with its parent unit, but it is positioned by and has priorities of
  support established by the supported unit. The parent unit may end or redirect the direct support relationship
  at any time if directed to do so by its higher headquarters.
  2-146. General support requires a unit to support multiple units simultaneously and not any specific
  subdivision of the unit. A unit assigned a general support relationship retains its command relationship with
  its parent unit and is positioned and has priorities established by the parent unit. The parent unit may end or
  redirect the general support relationship at any time if directed to do so by its higher headquarters. Table 2-3
  lists Army support relationships.
  Table 2-3. Army support relationships
  Then inherent responsibilities—
  Authorities a
  commander
  Are Establish
  If Have May be Receives assigned and Have can impose
  relation- command task- sustain- position or Provide maintain priorities on gaining
  ship is— relation- organized ment an area of liaison to— communi- established unit further
  ship command or
  by— from— operations cations by—
  with— support
  by— with—
  relationship
  by—
  Parent unit,
  Direct Parent Parent Parent Supported Supported Supported
  supported See note 1
  support1 unit unit unit unit unit unit
  unit
  Parent unit, Reinforced
  Reinforc- Parent Parent Parent Reinforced Reinforced Not
  reinforced unit, then
  ing unit unit unit unit unit applicable
  unit parent unit
  Reinforced Reinforced Parent unit,
  General
  Parent Parent Parent unit and as unit and as then Not
  support- Parent unit
  unit unit unit required by required by reinforced applicable
  reinforcing
  parent unit parent unit unit
  As required As required
  General Parent Parent Parent Not
  Parent unit by parent by parent Parent unit
  support unit unit unit applicable
  unit unit
  Note: 1 Commanders of units in direct support may further assign support relationships between their subordinate units and
  elements of the supported unit after coordination with the supported commander.
  COMMAND AND SUPPORT RELATIONSHIPS BY ECHELON
  2-147. The command and support relationships most commonly used vary by echelon. The relationships
  described below are typical examples. However, relationships may vary based on commander’s intent and
  mission and operational variables.
  STRATEGIC SUPPORT AREA
  2-148. The strategic support area contains the organizations and agencies required to integrate and
  synchronize mobilization, deployment (strategic power projection), employment, sustainment, and
  redeployment of forces. It also includes the air and sea ports that support the flow of forces and sustainment
  into a theater. Command authority originating from the strategic support area is described in JP 1, Volume 1,
  JP 1, Volume 2, JP 3-0, and JP 4-0. Support originating from the strategic support area can be either direct