3-113. As planners begin the process of reducing forces in a theater of operations, they must develop a balance between operational capability and sustainment capability. There is a natural tendency to eliminate the sustainment and enabler forces first because they do not provide an inherent capability to engage with the population or enemy. However, as the sustainment and enabling force are withdrawn, there is a direct impact on the operational forces in the form of reduced operational reach and requirements for assumption of additional missions.