A quartermaster is a military officer responsible for supplying troops with everything they need to survive and fight: food, clothing, equipment, fuel, ammunition, and shelter. The quartermaster makes sure soldiers have boots that fit, tents when it rains, meals when they're hungry, and ammunition when they need it.

Over time, the role evolved into managing all supplies and logistics. In the army, quartermasters run warehouses, organize supply convoys, and figure out how to get thousands of tons of equipment to the right place at the right time. It's like being the ultimate organizer for an entire army.

Without good quartermasters, even the best soldiers can't do their jobs. Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history's most famous generals, is often linked with the saying that “an army marches on its stomach,” meaning that hungry soldiers can't fight well. A talented quartermaster knows that battles require both brave soldiers and reliable supply chains: those soldiers need supplies when they need them.

Some non-military groups also use the term. The Boy Scouts have a quartermaster who manages camping equipment and supplies for the troop.