[Bruce Campbells Chin]

There are also cases where profit may not even be the goal. Troops may strip down spare/stored vehicles for parts just to keep theirs running and avoid disciplinary action for example, the end result is the same. "Cannibalization" is forbidden in the U.S. military without approval from way high up because it can result in equipment existing only on paper, with critical parts all stripped. Unauthorized cannibalization still happens, but is kept in relative check by command or higher-level maintenance inspections. Going through a FSMAO in the Marine Corps was a tedious and painful experience, but it helped preserve a level of honesty and diligence when it came to maintenance and supply of equipment.

When that doesn't exist, and if you add the problems of theft and (very likely) corrupt inspectors, equipment will inevitably fall into disrepair. I imagine that when some of those Russian warehouses/storage facilities were cracked open, a lot of supposedly operational vehicles were found on blocks, with missing wheels, batteries, engines, etc.. a lot of the stuff that wasn't picked clean likely hadn't been started in years, and had dried out seals, missing gaskets etc..

[SauronOfMordor]

It’s a failure of senior officers.

What does it take for a general to just decide to pick some unit or supply warehouse at random, do a meticulous personal inspection, and fire the officers in charge if corruption or embezzlement is found?