What pair describes the two levels of maintenance?

• A. Field level and Sustainment level
• B. Depot level and Field level
• C. Sustainment level and Depot level
• D. Field level and Depot level

Answer: (A)

Maintenance is organized into two levels that cover the range from quick, on-site fixes to more complete, centralized repairs. Field level maintenance happens where the equipment is used—by the unit or nearby workshops—so faults can be identified, diagnosed, and repaired quickly. The goal is to keep the equipment running with minimal downtime, handling routine servicing, minor repairs, part replacements, and preventive maintenance close to the operator.

Sustainment level maintenance operates at higher echelons, at centralized facilities or depots, and handles more complex issues that can’t be resolved in the field. This includes major repairs, overhaul, refurbishment, and extensive diagnostics that require specialized tools, significant time, and more extensive replacement parts. It ensures equipment is restored to full serviceability and readiness after field repairs or when deeper maintenance is needed.

So, the pair field level and sustainment level correctly describes these two tiers: immediate, in-theater maintenance, and more thorough, centralized maintenance. The other options mix in depot-level work, which is a third echelon in many maintenance structures, rather than the two-level pairing described.