DOD designates TRANSCOM as lead RFID and AIT proponent

Army Logistician, Jan-Feb, 2007

The U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) was recently designated as the lead functional proponent for implementation of radio frequency identification (RFID) and related automatic identification technology (AIT) for the Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain.

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics announced the designation in a 26 September memorandum that states, "This memorandum clarifies the role of the DPO [Distribution Process Owner] in executing an AIT implementation strategy and developing a centralized approach for use of these asset visibility technologies." As the DPO, TRANSCOM is responsible for the overall effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment of DOD-wide distribution activities, including force projection, sustainment, and redeployment and retrograde operations.

TRANSCOM uses AIT to achieve visibility of its shipments through an extensive active RFID infrastructure that is in place at strategic ports worldwide. Information on the arrival and departure of shipments is fed to TRANSCOM's Global Transportation Network, an automated command and control information system that provides an integrated system of in-transit visibility information and command and control capabilities.

"We are working toward development of a concept of operations to achieve end-to-end visibility using an integrated mix of AIT," said Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Amy Pappas, Chief of the Initiatives Branch of TRANSCOM's Strategy, Plans, Policy, and Programs Directorate, which is the command's lead element for AIT implementation. "And we'll work this effort in collaboration with our Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise partners, including the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Logistics Agency, the combatant commands, the military services, and other agencies. Our vision is to enhance transformation by focusing and synchronizing the right mix of AIT and corresponding logistics systems to support the DOD supply chain in an end-to-end integrated environment."