Sustain the Fight: From Support to Force Multiplier

Captain David Wallace spent twenty-four years transforming Army logistics, from Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic to Bronze Star recipient in the 82nd Airborne Division, 2nd BCT, 407th BSB, and as Field Maintenance Company Commander in Iraq (2011–12). As a Joint Readiness Training Center Observer-Controller (2012–14), he documented the integration failures that resulted in the deaths of simulated soldiers and the techniques that enabled success. He published his first observations in Army Sustainment in 2014. His perspective expanded through strategic deployment roles. As the Contracting Officer Representative in Kuwait (2015-2016), he managed the most significant U.S. government contract to date—Base Operations and Security Support Services. As Port Operations Supervisor in Jacksonville, Florida (2016–17), he oversaw a $560 million maintenance contract supporting waterborne distribution operations, demonstrating that sustainment principles transcend service boundaries. Since retiring in 2017, Wallace has validated these military principles through commercial supply chain consulting. He holds an MBA in Supply Chain Management from Westford University College, is an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. His professional journey—from enlisted mechanic to company commander to international consultant—provides him the rare combination of tactical experience, operational observation, and strategic perspective.

• ProloguePHASE 1: FOUNDATIONAL REALITYCHAPTER 1: The Reality of Large-Scale Combat SustainmentCHAPTER 2: Your Role in the Sustainment Enterprise PHASE 2: INTEGRATION FOUNDATION CHAPTER 3: Integration Is the Weapon SystemCHAPTER 4: Forecasting in ChaosCHAPTER 5: Distribution Management as a Staff EffortCHAPTER 6: The Common Operational Picture Problem PHASE 3: FUNCTIONAL SPECIALIZATIONCHAPTER 7: Medical Evacuation IntegrationCHAPTER 8: Casualty Estimation and Replacement PipelineCHAPTER 9: Rear Command Post Operations and the BSACHAPTER 10: Protection Enabler SynchronizationCHAPTER 11: Reconstitution and Culmination PHASE 4: SYNTHESISEpilogue: Note To ReadersGlossaryAcronyms Quick Reference Guide