What does a "fault" indicate about a piece of military equipment?

A "fault" in military equipment typically indicates that there is a deficiency or shortcoming in its operation, performance, or functionality. This could mean that the equipment is not performing as expected or that it lacks certain capabilities necessary for mission requirements. Recognizing a fault is crucial as it helps identify issues that may need repair, maintenance, or further investigation to ensure the equipment can function effectively during operations.

In military terminology, "mission capable" generally refers to equipment that is fully operational and can perform all required tasks. Thus, saying that a fault indicates full mission capability would be incorrect. Similarly, asserting that a fault means the equipment is in perfect working condition or that it has a material defect are both interpretations that do not encapsulate the broader implications of a fault, which primarily centers around an operational deficiency.