According to MCDP-1, what is equipment's main purpose?

Equipment's main purpose, as outlined in MCDP-1, is primarily to improve combat effectiveness. This focus underscores the essential role that equipment plays in enabling military units to perform their missions more efficiently and effectively on the battlefield. It reflects the understanding that well-equipped forces are better prepared to engage with adversaries, maintain operational readiness, and achieve strategic objectives.

While the other functions of equipment, such as providing enhancements to training, serving as a motivational tool, and potentially reducing operational costs, are valid considerations, they are secondary to the overarching goal of enhancing combat effectiveness. Combat effectiveness directly correlates to mission success, which is the primary aim of military operations, making it the most critical purpose of the equipment utilized by forces.