Which of the following is a key objective of the Civil Engineer prime mission?

The key objective of the Civil Engineer prime mission is to support and sustain base operations. This focus encompasses a broad range of responsibilities essential for maintaining the functionality and readiness of military installations. Civil Engineers are tasked with ensuring that infrastructure, utilities, and facilities are properly managed, maintained, and developed to support operational missions. This includes everything from the upkeep of runways to the effective management of water supplies and waste disposal, all of which are crucial for the daily operations and overall mission success of the military.

In contrast, the other options represent narrower or less comprehensive focuses. For instance, constructing new military facilities is certainly a component of the Civil Engineer's duties, but it does not encompass the entirety of their responsibilities, which include maintenance and operational support. Focusing solely on environmental issues represents an important aspect of civil engineering, but it does not capture the complete scope of ensuring base operations are supported and sustained. Likewise, managing procurement processes, while vital, is more of an administrative function rather than a key objective related to the Civil Engineer's primary mission of supporting base operations. Hence, the holistic approach reflected in the first option is essential for the effective functioning of military bases.