In a MAGTF, which element is designated as the supported element?

• A. The element making the main effort.
• B. The element providing medical support.
• C. The element tasked with air defense.
• D. The element with the least transport.

Answer: (A)

In a MAGTF, the supported element is the unit designated to receive the commander’s primary effort—the element that carries the decisive operation and around which the rest of the force concentrates its resources and attention. This is the force expected to achieve the key objective, so it becomes the focus of planning, combat power, and coordination with supporting elements. The other elements—providing medical support, air defense, or logistics—offer enabling functions to sustain and assist that main effort, but they are not the element designated to bear the primary thrust. Therefore, the element making the main effort is the correct choice.