Final answer:
The sustainment warfighting function includes securing troops, money, food, and supplies, as well as ensuring strong military leadership, public support, and comprehensive strategic planning. Examples of sustainment can be seen in America's approach to World War I, NATO's current missions, and U.S. military tactics during the Vietnam War.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tasks included in the sustainment warfighting function are essential for maintaining military operations during a war. This involves securing the basic requirements such as the recruitment and training of sufficient fighting forces, ensuring the steady flow of necessary funds, and procuring ample food and supplies. Alongside these logistical concerns, it also includes guaranteeing robust military leadership, garnering public support, and executing comprehensive strategic planning to align military actions with political objectives.
For instance, during World War I, as Wilson acknowledged, successful warfare depended significantly on preparation and support systems. Similarly, during NATO missions, sustainment ensures that forces have the necessary means to conduct operations in line with NATO's strategic goals. In the context of the Vietnam War, the U.S. military's "search and destroy" missions necessitated effective sustainment to provide troops with the needed resources, such as transportation via helicopters and the continuous flow of supplies to the frontline, thereby disrupting the enemy's operations and supply lines.