What type of supplies includes rations and potable water?

Class I supplies refer specifically to essential items necessary for sustaining personnel in the field, which includes rations and potable water. These supplies are vital for the health and morale of soldiers, ensuring they have access to food and clean drinking water during operations. This classification recognizes the foundational need for sustenance in any military operation, making it a priority for supply chains to provide these items promptly and effectively.

Understanding the categorization of supplies is crucial, as it affects logistics and resource management within military operations. For example, while Class II supplies consist of equipment and clothing, and Class III encompasses fuel and lubricants, neither of these categories addresses food and water, which are categorized solely under Class I. Similarly, Class IV supplies involve construction materials, rather than consumables. Thus, Class I remains distinct and necessary for immediate sustenance and operational success in the field.