Joint logistics command: The time has come to take the next step

Logistics Spectrum, Jan-Mar 2001 by Hardy, Christopher R

Setting the Stage: The World Has Changed

Global reach of CONUS-based forces requires an end-to-end strategic logistics capability. In this regard within the DoD, all of the Services are revolutionizing how they will perform logistics in this next century. Of the Services, the Army's logistics modernization vision, the Revolution in Military Logistics (RML), represents, if not the most profound, one of the most clearly defined fundamental changes in how logistics support will be provided to combatant forces in the 21st century. The RML requires a transformation of business processes and infrastructure from a supplybased to what is described as a distribution-based logistics system. This fundamental change blurs the distinction between tactical and strategic and wholesale and retail functions. To enable this paradigm shift, the new logistics system must first be supported by a single integrated logistics information system. Refer to Figure 1.

Challenge

To capitalize on perceived near-term need and potential infrastructure savings afforded by real-time integrated information systems and technologies, the Department of Defense (DoD) should rapidly move toward a distribution-based Joint Logistics Command (LOGCOM). To date, current planned institutional changes (within each of the services) do not go far enough, or quickly enough. Real transformation in mission, function, character, management structure and culture is still required.

Today, with world-class commercial organizations, logistics has become synonymous with information; and in the near future, all logistics will become Strategic. Refer to Figure 2.

To overate a distribution or transportation intensive logistics system and to revolutionize how we perform and think about logistics, a Joint LOGCOM is required as the core organization. LOGCOM would harness and optimally leverage the full potential of a seamless, global logistics information system that would and could orchestrate the entire logistics system to focus on the Warfighter's readiness and durability.

DistributionBased Logistics System

Much of the functionality of a distribution-based system is centered around the core functions of transportation and the management of transportation. To emphasize this paradigm shift for the Army, in a November 7, 1996 e-mail to the senior leaders, the CSA personally characterized the future Army's logistics system to be more transportation-based. Fundamental transformations in how we think about logistics will be required by the Army to support the operational concepts of the 21 st century.

CSA Statement: November 7, 1996 (email) "Want to move toward transportation-based log system as rapidly as we can without upsetting completely the balance in our modernization program....

A transportation (or distribution-based logistics) system requires a robust transportation network optimized by sophisticated information management systems enabling the replacement of logistics mass with logistics velocity. Moreover, it would be utterly dependent on the ability to dynamically observe, manage and control materiel in motion.

Combat operations in the 21 st century will change. These operations will be highly decentralized, involve extremely high OPTEMPO and require global reach. Success of these operations will be dependent upon similar advances in logistics capabilities and fundamental changes in sustainment support or focused logistics support. Our current institutional logistics infrastructure does not meet the needs of the 21 st century Service requirements and national commitments. It also does not allow for the significant infrastructure savings needed to modernize the force. In recent years, many of the DoD's reorganization initiatives put us on the path to organizational change. They were intended as reference points for continued progress and stimulation for future innovation. Although a good start, we must go farther, faster. We must have fundamental organizational change to capitalize on the technological and business process enabling efficiencies and performances now possible.

We must immediately transform our separate institutions into a distribution-based enabling joint infrastructure necessary to achieve a revolution in military logistics. We must not only change how we perform logistics, but also change our organizations toward that end.

Future

Of the Services, the Army's RML vision seems to be the most revolutionary in regard to logistics organizational change. An early conceptualization depicted a transformation of Army Materiel Command/Defense Logistics Agency/US Transportation Command into a Unified Sustainment Command (USC) or a Joint LOGCOM. Refer to Figure 3. Any redesign of the Services' organizations must focus on the rapid stand-up of a Joint LOGCOM that would be the centerpiece and focus for the readiness centric logistics system of the 21 st century. The explosion of information technology and e-business capabilities enables centralized control and decentralized execution as never before.