(DoD) The core element of a Marine air-ground task force (MAGTF) that is task-organized to provide the combat service support necessary to accomplish the MAGTF mission. The combat service support element varies in size from a small detachment to one or more force service support groups. It provides supply, maintenance, transportation, general engineering, health services, and a variety of other services to the MAGTF. The combat service support element itself is not a formal command. Also called CSSE. See also aviation combat element; command element; ground combat element; Marine air-ground task force; Marine expeditionary force; Marine expeditionary unit; special purpose Marine air-ground task force; task force.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). combat service support element. Retrieved September 22, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/combat_service_support_element/definitions/1960861 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "combat service support element" http://smartdefine.org/combat_service_support_element/definitions/1960861 (accessed September 22, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, combat service support element, Smart Define, viewed 22 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/combat_service_support_element/definitions/1960861>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "combat service support element" 4 April 2011. Web. 22 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/combat_service_support_element/definitions/1960861> |