What is the primary function of the Supply System in the Air Force?

The primary function of the Supply System in the Air Force is acquisition, distribution, and inventory management. This encompasses the entire process of ensuring that the right materials and supplies are acquired to meet operational needs, effectively distributed to various units, and properly managed in inventory to avoid shortages or excesses.

Acquisition involves sourcing and procuring necessary items, which is crucial for maintaining operational readiness. Distribution ensures that once supplies are acquired, they are sent to the appropriate locations promptly and efficiently, supporting missions and day-to-day operations. Inventory management is essential for tracking supplies, maintaining accountability, and ensuring that materials are neither lost nor wasted.

While managing transportation logistics, overseeing supplier contracts, and training personnel in inventory practices are all important aspects of the overall supply chain, they serve as supportive functions that fall under the broader umbrella of acquisition, distribution, and inventory management. By focusing on these three core activities, the Air Force Supply System can effectively support its mission and operational capabilities.