What is the difference between direct mission support and administrative support in SORM terms?

• A. Direct mission support covers personnel records and admin tasks.
• B. Direct mission support covers flight ops and maintenance; administrative support covers personnel, records, and general admin tasks.
• C. Direct mission support is external; administrative support is internal.
• D. Direct mission support deals with legal compliance.

Answer: (B)

Direct mission support is the hands-on, operations-focused part of the unit that keeps the actual flying and mission activity going. It covers flight operations and maintenance—things that directly enable aircraft to be ready, safe, and capable for missions, such as aircraft servicing, systems troubleshooting, and ensuring aircrew readiness.

Administrative support, on the other hand, handles the internal processes that keep the organization running smoothly. That includes personnel records, general admin tasks, scheduling, training records, and other paperwork and compliance activities.

So the difference is about what directly enables the mission versus what keeps the organization organized and compliant. The part that deals with personnel records and admin tasks falls under administrative support, not direct mission support, and legal compliance is typically part of administrative duties rather than the direct operation of flight and maintenance.