materiel

Materiel is a term used in military contexts to denote the equipment, apparatus, and supplies that armed forces require to operate effectively. It encompasses weapons, vehicles and aircraft, communications systems, sensors, ammunition, fuel and lubricants, medical gear, clothing and field equipment, engineering and maintenance tools, spare parts, and other physical assets used for training, combat, and support operations.

The term is distinct from personnel and from broad concepts like logistics, though it is a central element of logistics and supply chains. Materiel management covers procurement, storage, maintenance, depreciation, and disposal, with emphasis on readiness, interoperability, and lifecycle management. Acquisition programs, stock control, maintenance planning, and end-of-life disposal are components of materiel stewardship.

Usage and spelling vary by context. The word derives from French matériel and appears in English primarily in military or defense writings. In American English, the everyday term is often material, but materiel is still common in formal or international defense discussions to denote military equipment and supplies.

See also: logistics; supply chain; military equipment; defense procurement.