(
DoD) The procurement, distribution, maintenance while in storage, and salvage of supplies, including the determination of kind and quantity of supplies. a. producer phase--That phase of military supply that extends from determination of procurement schedules to acceptance of finished supplies by the Military Services. b. consumer phase--That phase of military supply which extends from receipt of finished supplies by the Military Services through issue for use or consumption.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.