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Materiel ormatériel[1][2][3][4] (/məˌtɪəriˈɛl/; from French matériel 'equipment, hardware') is supplies,equipment, andweapons inmilitary supply-chain management, and typically supplies and equipment in acommercialsupply chain context.[a]
In a military context, the termmateriel refers either to the specific needs (excluding manpower) of a force to complete a specificmission, or the general sense of the needs (excluding manpower) of a functioning army.[a]
An important category of materiel is commonly referred to asordnance, especially concerning mounted guns (artillery) and theshells they consume. Along with fuel, andmunitions in general, the steady supply of ordnance is an ongoing logistical 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.[6][7]
Military materiel is often shipped to and used in severe climates without controlled warehouses or fixedmaterial handling equipment.Packaging and labeling often need to meet stringenttechnical specifications to help ensure proper delivery and final use.[5] Some military procurement allows for commercial packaging rather than the more stringent military grades.[8]
Materiel in thecommercial distribution context refers to the products of the business, as distinct from those involved in operating the business itself.[a]
The dictionary definition ofmateriel at Wiktionary