"Sustainments" refers to the supplies, provisions, or resources necessary for maintaining or continuing something over time. It is derived from the verb "sustain," which means to support, uphold, or keep up the existence, operation, or condition of something.
In a general sense, sustainments can encompass a wide range of items or elements that are required to sustain and nourish the vitality or livelihood of organisms, systems, or entities. This can include food, water, energy sources, equipment, tools, financial resources, and other essential materials. For example, in the context of human sustenance, sustainments would encompass the basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and clothing.
In a more specific context, sustainments can also refer to the supplies, support, or resources necessary for the continuation and maintenance of a specific activity, project, system, or organization. This could include funding, personnel, technology, infrastructure, or any other elements that are crucial for the ongoing operation or development of the said entity or endeavor. For instance, in the context of a business, sustainments would include financial investments, skilled employees, robust infrastructure, and effective management systems.
Overall, sustainments refer to the provisions and resources required to uphold and ensure the continuation, stability, or functionality of something, be it an organism, system, project, or organization.
