Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 4-0 Sustainment Practice Test

The principle of anticipation in sustainment is crucial for ensuring that support is both timely and synchronized. This means that sustainment operations must proactively consider the future needs of military operations. By anticipating requirements, commanders and planners can ensure that the right supplies, personnel, and systems are in place when and where they are needed, avoiding delays that could jeopardize mission success.

Anticipation allows for better coordination with other components of the military operation, ensuring that logistics and support units are prepared in advance, leading to seamless integration with combat operations. For example, by forecasting the needs of troops based on their location and mission objectives, supply chains can be effectively managed to deliver necessary resources without interruption.

This principle contrasts with the others listed. While efficiency focuses on optimizing resources, flexibility stresses the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and continuity emphasizes the sustained support over time. All these principles are essential, but anticipation specifically addresses the need for proactive planning to ensure that support is available when it is most needed.