How does the Army define "readiness"?

The Army defines "readiness" as the ability of units and soldiers to perform their mission when called upon. This definition encompasses not only the individual skills and qualifications of soldiers but also the collective capability of units to successfully execute their assigned tasks in various scenarios, whether during deployments, training exercises, or in response to emergencies. Readiness is a holistic concept that means being equipped, trained, and prepared to respond effectively to the demands placed upon the military.

When evaluating readiness, factors such as operational training, mental preparedness, the effectiveness of leadership, and the coordination of logistics and support systems all come into play. This comprehensive understanding ensures that the military can maintain its operational effectiveness and fulfill its commitments to national defense.

In contrast, the other options focus on narrower aspects of military preparedness. Preparing soldiers for fitness tests and ensuring resource availability are components of readiness, but they do not encapsulate the entire scope as effectively as the ability to perform missions does. Establishing a strong chain of command is essential for effective operation but is also only one part of what contributes to overall readiness. The definition of readiness thus emphasizes operational capability as the primary focus, which is reflected in the correct answer.