The MEU's sustainment provided by the LCE lasts how many days?

• A. 30 days
• B. 15 days
• C. 60 days
• D. 15 weeks

Answer: (B)

Sustainment is the ongoing provisioning of everything the MEU needs to keep operating: food, water, fuel, ammunition, medical care, maintenance, and other supplies delivered by the Logistics Combat Element. For a MEU, the LCE is organized to provide this support for about 15 days. This window covers the initial phase of operations, giving time to establish additional supply lines or draw from shipboard and afloat assets to continue sustaining the force. The longer timeframes (30 or 60 days, or 15 weeks) exceed the standard LCE stock plan for initial operations, making 15 days the appropriate duration.