What defines nonexpendable items?

Nonexpendable items are defined by their ability to retain identity during use and the necessity for accountability. This means that these items are not consumed or depleted during operations; instead, they remain intact and identifiable throughout their usage. The accountability aspect is crucial as it reflects the responsibility for maintaining and tracking these items in inventory systems and during deployments. This ensures that nonexpendable items are properly accounted for, managed, and can be reused without loss.

In contrast, other definitions do not align with the characteristics of nonexpendable items. Items that are consumed in use do not fit this definition, as they would fall into a different category, typically classified as expendable. Additionally, while nonexpendable items could be related to field missions, this characteristic does not define them; rather, it merely suggests a possible use. Therefore, the correct choice is centered on the permanent identity and accountability that nonexpendable items require throughout their lifecycle.