Which function provides standard descriptions of force packages for contingency planning?

The correct answer is centered around the concept of Manpower and Equipment Force Packaging, commonly referred to as MEFPAK. This function is essential in the context of contingency planning as it offers standardized descriptions and configurations of personnel, equipment, and resources necessary for various military operations.

MEFPAK outlines how forces can be organized and deployed for specific contingencies, ensuring that the right capabilities are available to meet mission requirements effectively. By providing this structured approach, MEFPAK assists planners in preparing for diverse operational scenarios and ensures that units can be deployed rapidly and efficiently.

In contrast, while operational capabilities packages do serve as a tool for force planning, they are not as comprehensive in providing the detailed descriptions necessary for contingency planning as MEFPAK. Theater deployable communications focus on communication resources rather than the broader scope of manpower and equipment. The Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force force modules pertain more to specific task organization for operational deployments, which doesn't encapsulate all aspects of contingency planning as comprehensively as MEFPAK does. Therefore, MEFPAK is uniquely suited to fulfilling the requirement for standard descriptions of force packages in contingency situations.