The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) is an acronym that combines several words representing a specific organization of the United States Department of Defense. It is pronounced [dɪˈfɛns riː.pyuːtələˈzeɪʃən ənd ˈmɑrkətɪŋ ˈsɜr.vəs]. The word "defense" is spelled with a "c" in British English but with an "s" in American English. "Reutilization" is pronounced [riː.pyuːtələˈzeɪʃən], and "marketing" is pronounced [ˈmɑrkətɪŋ], both words having a strong emphasis on the second syllable.
Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service (DRMS) refers to a specialized agency within the United States Department of Defense (DoD) that is primarily responsible for managing and implementing the disposal and reutilization processes of excess or surplus military equipment, supplies, and materials. Established in 1972, the DRMS is mandated to efficiently manage the disposal of surplus property, while also maximizing the recovery and generating revenue through the sale or reuse of these assets.
The main objective of the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service is to provide a streamlined and cost-effective means of surplus disposal, ensuring the proper utilization of resources and minimizing waste within the military. The agency actively facilitates the movement, redistribution, and disposal of excess Defense Property, encompassing a wide range of equipment, vehicles, machinery, electronics, spare parts, and other military materials.
DRMS effectively serves as the central hub for military departments, combatant commands, and other governmental agencies to transfer excess assets between themselves or to external entities. It operates through a network of Defense Reutilization and Marketing Offices (DRMOs), regional sites, and disposal facilities across the United States.
Furthermore, DRMS also adopts a marketing-oriented approach by actively promoting the reutilization and potential sale of surplus military property to eligible non-DoD organizations including federal, state, and local agencies, as well as foreign governments and qualified non-profit organizations.
The Defense Reutilization and Marketing Service not only ensures transparency and accountability in the disposal process but also enhances efficiency, resource optimization, and revenue generation for the United States military.