How does the Department of Defense (DoD) define readiness?

The Department of Defense (DoD) defines readiness as the ability of military forces to fight and meet the demands of assigned missions and tasks. This definition emphasizes not just the existence of military forces, but their preparedness to take on specific operational commitments and successfully fulfill the challenges posed by these missions. Readiness encompasses training, equipment, personnel strength, and logistics, integrating all aspects necessary for effective military performance in various scenarios.

This perspective captures the comprehensive nature of military readiness, which goes beyond merely possessing assets or capabilities. It requires that military forces maintain a state of operational capability that allows them to respond effectively to different levels of crisis or conflict. Thus, readiness is essentially about ensuring that all elements of the military can function cohesively when required.