New name for MTMC reflects warfighter support role - Alog News

Army Logistician,  Jan-Feb, 2004  

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The Military Traffic Management Command has a new name--the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC).

SDDC officials believe the new name better reflects the command's critical role in deploying the force and its emphasis on end-to-end distribution operations in support of warfighters.

"It's more than just a name change," said Major General Ann E. Dunwoody, Commanding General of SDDC. "Over time, we have literally outgrown our name. Our new name change to the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command better represents our number one priority and renewed focus--to support the warfighter through deployment, sustainment, and redeployment."

The name change, which was effective on 1 January, follows closely the U.S. Transportation Command's (USTRANSCOM's) designation as the Department of Defense Joint Distribution Process Owner (see story that begins on page 1). SDDC will be a key enabler of a new and improved joint distribution system envisioned by USTRANSCOM.

"Traffic management will continue to be a key component of what we do, but it is only one of the tools in our arsenal," said Dunwoody. "Our value to the warfighter resides in our ability to deliver capability and sustainment on time and ensure that we can provide timely, accurate in-transit visibility and total asset visibility of all surface equipment and supplies at all times."

As a part of its expanded role, SDDC handles all surface movement requirements. "We work with Military Sealift Command to determine whether our existing ocean liner contracts meet the requirement or whether Military Sealift Command needs to charter or activate a vessel," observed Dunwoody. "All that background activity in reaching the best solution set would be transparent to the customer who now has one entity to hold accountable."

As a part of its expanding role, SDDC will provide a single face to the field for all surface movement requirements. "Rather than have customers send requirements to two USTRANSCOM component commands for surface lift, we worked hand-in-hand with our great partners at the Military Sealift Command to streamline the process and funnel all the requirements through SDDC," said Dunwoody. Multicomponent and multifunctional groups that fully integrate Reserve component units into [SDDC] active-duty units are being developed with the support of Lieutenant General James R. Helmly, Chief, Army Reserve, she said.

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