Which term is used when referring to equipment readiness and status?

The term that best describes equipment readiness and status in a military context is "operational." When an asset is operational, it indicates that it is ready for use, fully functional, and capable of performing its intended mission. This implies that the equipment has been maintained appropriately, is in working order, and meets all necessary standards for deployment. Operational readiness is crucial for mission success and ensures that forces can respond effectively during various scenarios.

The other choices may imply varying nuances of readiness but do not directly denote the comprehensive state of readiness and availability as "operational" does. For instance, "occupied" might refer to a physical presence or usage rather than readiness, while "activated" can denote the initiation of a system or procedure rather than its overall operational capability. Similarly, "functional" generally means that something is working but does not necessarily encompass its preparedness for action, which is a vital component of operational status.