Case in Point: Transforming Expeditionary Logistics

Providing the warfighter with improved theater distribution and traffic management capability is a key goal for the Department. In early 2006 USTRANSCOM, in collaboration with its national partners, stood up a Joint Staff directed Capability Based Analysis Team (CBAT) to identify potential near term solutions to achieve the capability sooner than originally programmed in the Transportation Coordinators Automated Information System (TC AIMS II) fielding schedule. The resulting CBAT analyses concluded that other software applications such as the Cargo Movement Operations System (CMOS) could provide a theater distribution management (TDM) capability to the Services sooner and for less cost. Additionally, the CBAT determined that it was paramount to provide, as early as possible, an expeditionary capability for theater in-transit visibility, mobility, and accountability of cargo transiting to the operational area for deployment, sustainment, and redeployment.

Based on the CBAT's recommendations, a solution has been developed, tested and is being fielded as The Portable Deployment Kit, or PDK. The key capability of the PDK is a breakthrough "mobile chokepoint solution" that integrates several Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) technologies, including bar codes, 2D bar codes, active RFID and Global Positioning System (GPS) location and satellite communications-all in a single, hardened carrying case. PDK's integrated solution bridges infrastructure deficiencies and provides asset accountability to theater and tactical logisticians.

USTRANSCOM worked with industry to develop requirements for the PDK, such as increased memory and a hard drive, to accommodate multiple software applications that support the theater distribution management initiative. These improvements allow greater flexibility for the user to conduct unit move reception, staging, and onward movement requirements or distribution of supplies.

USNORTHCOM's exercise ARDENT SENTRY 07, in May 2007, was the first operational opportunity to test the capabilities of the PDK. USTRANSCOM, with support from the Army G4, Air Force A4, Air National Guard and the CMOS program office, deployed the PDK and PDK operators to Indiana for the exercise. The PDK provided early entry and immediate response to NORTHCOM for receipt, positive control, and visibility of deploying equipment and supplies supporting the disaster scenario. The demonstrated capability of the PDK received an overall enthusiastic response from the entire community, representing a resounding success for the effort.

As the Services continue to transform operations for more flexible, tailored, and expeditionary capability, the PDK will enhance the Joint Task Force commander's ability to rapidly deploy, sustain, retrograde and redeploy in multiple environments across the joint enterprise.