When does condemnation of an item occur?

Condemnation of an item occurs primarily when it cannot be repaired. This situation typically arises when an item has sustained damage or deterioration that renders it unsafe, unusable, or beyond effective repair under the current maintenance standards. In military and operational contexts, ensuring that all equipment and items are functional and safe is critical for maintaining readiness and safety standards. Therefore, items that cannot be effectively restored to operational status must be condemned to prevent their use, which could lead to further issues or risks.

While an item being outdated, no longer needed, or exceeding maintenance costs are factors that might influence disposal decisions, they do not directly trigger the formal process of condemnation as defined by inability to repair. Outdated items may still function but may be phased out for newer models, items no longer needed could still be operable, and those exceeding maintenance costs might still be salvageable with the right investment. Condemnation specifically addresses the condition of the item regarding its repairability.