Before funding, procuring, or replacing war reserve materiel (WRM), what must be identified first?

Identifying the requirements for war reserve materiel (WRM) is crucial because it lays the foundation for any subsequent funding, procurement, or replacement actions. Understanding these requirements involves assessing the specific needs of the unit or operation, including the quantities and types of materiel required to ensure operational readiness. This step is essential for making informed decisions about what to fund or acquire, as well as ensuring that the materiel aligns with strategic goals and operational plans.

Once the requirements are clearly defined, it then becomes possible to evaluate the available budget, determine supplier options, and assess equipment condition. However, without a clear understanding of what is actually needed, efforts to secure funding or procure assets might lead to misallocation of resources or failure to address critical gaps in capabilities. Thus, requirements identification is the first and most vital step in the process.