NTRP 4-04.2.13 FM 3-34.469 AFMAN 32-1072 Water-Well Drilling Operations December 2008 Maintaining a constant supply of water is critical to sustaining the force. Beyond military consumption, a water supply is critical for chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) decontamination, sanitation, construction, medical operations, and equipment maintenance. The quantity and quality of water required depends upon climatic conditions, terrain, and the type of operation conducted. In an operational area (OA), the tactical or installation commander provides water support requirements to general engineer (GE) units under the combat service support (CSS) element. The CSS element is tasked in turn to provide water. Requests for well drilling support go through operational channels to higher headquarters (HHQ). Tactical and logistical personnel plan and coordinate water support functions. They ensure that sufficient water production and distribution assets are available to continuously support the forces in the OA.