N. McKay said:
It might be helpful if someone who knows about the subject would explain the differences between combat arms, combat support, and combat service support. (Being a naval type, I'm not the guy.)
Do you want the OPFOR explanation:
COMBAT ARMS
Armour and Infantry who actually become in contact with, closing with and destroying the enemy "face to face".
COMBAT SUPPORT
Trades like Artillery, Recce, Engineers, Signals, etc. who are in "close support" to the Combat Arms with the use of Fire and/or observation.
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
Trades who provide the support that the other two require to operate. We are talking here about the Cooks, Supply Techs, Maintainers, Dental Techs, etc. who are not likely to be in combat with an enemy.
The OPFOR definitions create a lot of discussion and some arguments as to who falls into which category. Always a good topic at Happy Hour. >
We usually refer to Artillery, Armour, Infantry and Engineers as the Combat Arms (LAND) here in Canada.