What does the term "sustainment" refer to in materiel management?

The term "sustainment" in materiel management refers to the continuous supply of necessary items that are essential for maintaining operational effectiveness. This is crucial for ensuring that military and logistical operations can proceed without interruption due to shortages of necessary resources. Sustainment encompasses the planning and execution of activities that provide support, including the procurement, storage, and distribution of materiel, ensuring that the right items are available at the right time and in the right quantity.

This concept is foundational in materiel management, as it highlights the importance of keeping supply chains effective and responsive to the needs of operations, ultimately contributing to mission success. The focus on operational effectiveness underscores the role of sustainment in enhancing readiness and performance in various operational scenarios.