Transporters discuss ways to expedite shipments to OEF, OIF

Translog: Journal of Military Transportation Management, Spring, 2004 by Patti Bielling

Even in the midst of the largest movement of U.S. forces since World War 11, military transporters and logisticians are looking for ways to improve the deployment and sustainment process of the future.

A panel of top-ranked experts from various commands discussed coming initiatives and answered questions during the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's annual symposium March 24 in Denver, Colo.

One of the more important initiatives is already being tested with positive results, said Army Maj. Gen. Robert T. Dail, J-3 (Director of Operations), U.S. Transportation Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

A pilot Deployment Distribution Operations Center stood up in Kuwait in late January is achieving great success in helping synchronize the flow of personnel, equipment and sustainment throughout the U.S. Central Command theater.

Establishing a forward presence has allowed the U.S. Transportation Command to develop solution sets that meet the needs of the combatant commander at lower cost while making better use of available air and sealift assets, said Dail.

Staffed by about 60 transportation and logistics experts from various commands and agencies, the Deployment and Distribution Operation Center has already saved approximately $50 million by reducing airlift requirements and establishing surface transportation alternatives in support of operations in Afghanistan.

"The Deployment and Distribution Operation Center is redefining logistics on a tactical level, and I think it's going to happen at a strategic level, too," said Dail.

The Defense Logistics Agency is improving the sustainment process by changing its focus from delivering equipment to "delivering capability," said Brig. Gen. Kathleen Gainey, commander, DLA's Defense Distribution Center, New Cumberland, Pa.

In practice, she said, that means bundling many types of parts and equipment in "pure pallets" for delivery to a specific unit rather than sending loads of equipment that must be unpackaged in the theater before being distributed to units.

"This is a change in doctrine for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army," said Gainey. "We think this is how we should be supporting units all the time-in peace and in war."

The Defense Distribution Center is also implementing a Forward Stocking Initiative in Italy, Guam, Korea and Kuwait. Opening new storage and distribution facilities in these locations will reduce transportation costs and reduce requisition waiting time by as much as 50 percent for a combatant commander, said Gainey.

The facility in Italy will open in April, with other locations expected to open within the next year.

The Defense Distribution Center is also developing "deployable depots" with trained personnel, equipment, tools, parts and information technology that can stand up wherever the need exists.

Dail added that adequate transportation assets will be needed to support the Future Force.

"We need a mobility requirements study to determine what lift assets we will need to move and sustain Soldiers in the future," said Dail. "As in past studies, we need to look at where we should invest and what we should divest to meet the needs for the very dynamic and changing environment of the future."

Patti Bielling Public Affairs Officer, SDDC Operations Center