Materiel (; ) refers to supplies,
equipment
Equipment most commonly refers to a set of tools or other objects commonly used to achieve a particular objective. Different job
Work or labor (or labour in British English) is intentional activity people perform to support the needs and ...
, and
weapon
A weapon, arm or armament is any implement or device that can be used to deter, threaten, inflict physical damage, harm, or kill. Weapons are used to increase the efficacy and efficiency of activities such as hunting, crime, law enforcement, s ...
s in
military supply-chain management, and typically supplies and equipment in a
commercial supply chain
In commerce, a supply chain is a network of facilities that procure raw materials, transform them into intermediate goods and then final products to customers through a distribution system. It refers to the network of organizations, people, acti ...
context.
In a military context, the term ''materiel'' refers either to the specific needs (excluding manpower) of a force to complete a specific
mission, or the general sense of the needs (excluding manpower) of a functioning army.
An important category of materiel is commonly referred to as ordnance, especially concerning mounted guns (
artillery
Artillery is a class of heavy military ranged weapons that launch munitions far beyond the range and power of infantry firearms. Early artillery development focused on the ability to breach defensive walls and fortifications during siege ...
) and the
shells it consumes. Along with fuel, and
munitions in general, the steady supply of ordnance is an ongoing logistic challenge in active combat zones.
Materiel management consists of continuing actions relating to planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, controlling, and evaluating the application of resources to ensure the effective and economical support of military forces. It includes provisioning, cataloging, requirements determination, acquisition, distribution, maintenance, and disposal. The terms "materiel management", "materiel control", "inventory control", "inventory management", and "supply management" are synonymous.
[DoD Integrated Materiel Management (IMM) for Consumable Items, 4140.26-M, Volume 2, September 24, 2010, Glossary, p. 38.]
Military materiel is often shipped to and used in severe climates without controlled warehouses or fixed
material handling equipment.
Packaging and labeling
Packaging is the science, art and technology of enclosing or protecting products for distribution, storage, sale, and use. Packaging also refers to the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages. Packaging can be described as a co ...
often need to meet stringent
technical specifications to help ensure proper delivery and final use.
Some military procurement allows for commercial packaging rather than the more stringent military grades.
[ASTM D3951,
Standard Practice For Commercial Packaging]
Materiel in the
commercial distribution context refers to the products of the business, as distinct from those involved in operating the business itself.
See also
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Anti-materiel rifle
An anti-materiel rifle (AMR) is a rifle designed for use against military equipment, structures, and other hardware (materiel). Anti-materiel rifles are chambered in significantly larger calibers than conventional rifles and are employed to elimin ...
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Inventory
Inventory (American English) or stock (British English) refers to the goods and materials that a business holds for the ultimate goal of resale, production or utilisation.
Inventory management is a discipline primarily about specifying the shap ...
*
Matériel (French Army)
The French Army (french: Armée française) is divided into arms (''armes''). Matériel is one of the arms of Land Army (french: Armée de terre) specialised in maintenance and repair of equipment or hardware (Materiel).
; Regiments
* 1er ré ...
*
Military acquisition
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Military logistics
Military logistics is the discipline of planning and carrying out the movement, supply, and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:
* Design, development, acqui ...
*
Military supply chain management
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Supply chain
In commerce, a supply chain is a network of facilities that procure raw materials, transform them into intermediate goods and then final products to customers through a distribution system. It refers to the network of organizations, people, acti ...
*
United States Army Materiel Command
U.S. Army Materiel Command (AMC) is the primary provider of materiel to the United States Army. The Command's mission includes the management of installations, as well as maintenance and parts distribution.
It was established on 8 May 1962 and wa ...
*
Air Force Materiel Command
Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) is a major command (MAJCOM) of the United States Air Force (USAF). AFMC was created on July 1, 1992, through the amalgamation of the former Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) and the former Air Force Systems Com ...
*
United States Army Medical Research and Materiel Command
References
External links
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{{authority control
Freight transport
Military logistics