DLA supply centers consolidate the services' requirements and procure the supplies in sufficient quantities to meet the services' projected needs. This procurement function is a large task and critical to maintaining the readiness of our forces. The supplies we procure are stored and distributed through a complex of depots. DLA provides the services with uniforms, special purpose clothing and clothing-related items such as helmets, canteens and shoes. Construction material managed by DLA ranges from common commercial items such as lumber and plumbing accessories to large equipment such as bulldozers and cranes.
Electronic supplies are items used in maintenance and repair of military equipment.
These include microcircuits, resistors, solenoids, transformers, fiber optic assemblies, radar equipment, remote control systems for guided missiles and electronic countermeasures equipment. DLA is the DoD material manager for bulk petroleum, natural gas, coal and electricity. DLA buys, stores and distributes fuel via tankers, barge, rail, truck and pipeline used by the military services, DoD components and federal civil agencies. Food must be of the highest quality. Additionally, it furnishes airborne gyro components and automatic pilot mechanisms.