What is the definition of 'sustainment' in military operations?

Sustainment in military operations refers to the maintenance and extension of operational capabilities through necessary support functions. This includes logistical support, supply chain management, personnel services, and maintenance operations that enable a unit to continue its mission over time. The primary goal of sustainment is to ensure that troops have the resources, supplies, and support they need to effectively conduct their operations without interruption.

By defining sustainment in this way, we recognize its comprehensive nature which is crucial for mission success. It allows units to adapt to changing conditions and maintain their operational effectiveness, even in extended engagements. This is essential in combat scenarios where resources can become strained.

The other options focus on specific functions like intelligence, combat execution, or communication, which, while important to military operations, do not encompass the broader concept of sustainment that involves a holistic approach to maintaining the effectiveness of units over time.