Who holds the responsibility for operational contract support planning and management?

The responsibility for operational contract support planning and management primarily rests with the commander. In a military context, the commander is accountable for mission success, which includes effectively integrating and utilizing contracted support within operational planning. This encompasses the identification of required support, determining how and when to integrate contract capabilities into operational plans, ensuring resource allocation, and managing relationships between military personnel and contractors.

The commander's role is crucial because they must align contractual support with overall operational objectives, oversee the execution of the contract to ensure it meets tactical and strategic needs, and adjust plans as circumstances evolve. This leadership position involves a comprehensive understanding of both the operational environment and the capabilities that contractors can provide, thereby allowing for the successful execution of missions that depend on both military forces and contracted support.

Other options present roles that, while important in the context of operational contract support, do not encompass the complete responsibility for planning and management. A contracting officer is primarily focused on the legal and administrative details of contract creation and management, the supporting unit implements the plans made by the commander and may work alongside contractors but does not own the planning responsibility, and a contractor delivers specified services but has no authority or responsibility in operational planning. Therefore, the commander's overarching responsibility solidifies why this choice is the most accurate