501 Special Troops Battalion
"Strength of the Eagle"
Division Support Command (DISCOM) - 101st Airborne
"Lifeliners"
"Lifeliners"
In FY 2004, as part of the Army's transformation towards a modular force, the title and composition of the DISCOM unit was changed to the 501st Special Troops Battalion.
The 501st STB's mission is to provide modular worldwide deployable command posts capable of sustaining themselves, synchronizing operations, and massing the effects of Joint, Coalition, or Army forces in order to support Regional Combatant Commander requirements anywhere in the world. With 1100 soldiers from virtually every military occupational specialty across the Army our battalion provides the Division Commander with unique abilities to functionally or geographically distribute operations and command the division from anywhere in the world, hence their motto "Strength of the Eagle".
Under the Pre-Modular Brigade Combat Team structure, the DISCOM was one of six major subordinate commands in the Division. The others were the three infantry brigades, the aviation brigade, and the DIVARTY. The DISCOM provided effective and responsive support to tactical units. To provide this support to the tactical commander, logistics and HSS assets were effectively organized and positioned where they are needed. The DISCOM units were an HHC/DMMC, an MSB, three FSBs, Combat Service Support Automation Management Office (CSSAMO), and an AMCO.
The DISCOM Headquarters provided personnel and equipment for the command, supervision and control of division level combat service support service operations. It also furnished automatic data processing support to assist in the accomplishment of the supply and maintenance functions of the DISCOM. The headquarters company provided personnel and equipment for the command and internal combat service support of the DISCOM headquarters.
Fluid, nonlinear operations and enormous demands for resources characterize the battlefield. Support in such an environment is the challenge facing support planners and operators, They arm, fuel, fix, and move the division, and sustain its soldiers. These actions allow the LID commander to take advantage of opportunities to achieve tactical advantage. The DISCOM commander and staff as well as support planners and operators at division and brigade incorporated the sustainment imperatives in all actions. The imperatives were anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation.
The DISCOM commander and staff anticipated future missions. They did this by understanding the division commander's plan and translating current developments into future needs. Anticipation helps the division commander form a supportable plan. The DISCOM commander and staff focused on responsive support of future operations. They did not merely react to support needs sent to the DISCOM. They planed ahead and tried to foresee unexpected changes while supporting current operations. To better anticipate needs the DISCOM commander and staff had a close relationship with the division staff.
The LID's support assets provide only essential CSS. They stock only mission essential supplies. Personnel normally use supply point distribution. An exception is supply of barrier materials, The corps throughputs these directly to the emplacement site whenever possible. Personnel also deliver bulk fuel and water to the light infantry battalions. Wherever possible, other supplies are throughput from the corps to the unit or the BSA. Intensive management of MHE ensures this limited resource meets a variety of logistics missions. Ambulances returning to forward areas backhaul medical supplies and equipment if necessary.
