Which principle of sustainment ensures a force can operate continuously over time?

The principle of sustainment that ensures a force can operate continuously over time is continuity. This principle emphasizes the necessity of maintaining operational capabilities without interruption, allowing forces to carry out their missions effectively over extended periods. It involves the ability to provide resources, supplies, support, and services in a seamless manner to ensure that units can sustain their operational tempo and readiness.

Continuity is vital for sustained operations, as it encompasses logistical support that must be consistent and reliable from the outset of an operation through its conclusion. This ensures that units do not experience gaps in supply or support, which could affect their performance and mission success.

In contrast, other principles like responsiveness focus on the ability to quickly meet the needs of forces, survivability emphasizes protecting personnel and equipment to ensure they can continue to operate, and integration pertains to the coordinated efforts of different components and services. While these are important for overall sustainment, they do not specifically address the continuous operational capability emphasized by continuity.