Distribution and the Distribution Process Owner (DPO)

According to Joint Publication 4-09 (Joint Doctrine for Global Distribution), "in its broadest sense, distribution is the operational process of synchronizing all elements of the logistic system to deliver the "right things" to the "right place" at the "right time" in order to generate and sustain the military capability required by joint forces. Distribution is the key logistic process that provides the means for joint force operations and is integrated and synchronized with the ways of joint operations to effectively and economically accomplish the assigned mission. Global distribution links national resources with joint force support requirements, enabling joint force commanders to generate and sustain combat power and maintain combat readiness."  The Joint Staff J4 and the Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Logistics & Materiel Readiness) stated in their joint 28 Jul 04 Management of the Distribution Systems Portfolio: Sustainment & Force Movement memo by stating, "inherent in this definition are retrograde, return of materiel, and redeployment."

 

The Secretary of Defense designated the Commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) as the DoD Distribution Process Owner (DPO) in September 2003. The DPO serves as the single entity to direct and supervise execution of the Strategic Distribution system. The DPO mission is to improve in-transit visibility, eliminate gaps between the strategic and theater level distribution processes and improve the overall efficiency and interoperability of distribution related activities - deployment, sustainment and redeployment support during peace and war. As the DPO, TRANSCOM is designated as the single entity to revolutionize the distribution process, working with the services and combatant commanders in synchronizing the distribution of personnel and equipment from factory to foxhole. The consolidation of authority under one process owner is aimed at realizing logistics efficiencies: