The Potential Influence of Advanced Logistics on Defense Air Transportation

Abstract

Abstract : The Department of Defense (DoD) is entering a period of rapidly evolving logistic business practices and information management technologies. This is largely the result of mandated inventory reductions set forth by Congress. Replacing DoD inventory with logistics process improvement and information systems is now a requirement rather than just a good idea. These efforts are well underway across DoD and are especially apparent at the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) where programs like Prime Vendor, Direct Vendor Delivery, and Premium Service are turning just in case inventory into just in time inventory. However, the Advanced Logistics Program (ALP) headed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) stands out among DoD logistics efforts as having the most potential to alter the supply chain in times of war and peace. Specifically, ALP is designed to establish real time information connectivity across all logistics functions without rendering legacy systems obsolete. When the project is completed in 2002, ALP will rapidly generate courses of actions that decision makers can employ to ensure tailored logistics effectively supports fluid operations. This advanced logistics environment requires fast and dependable transportation. Therefore, DoD should examine the influence that ALP will have on the defense air transportation system. The full advantage of automated logistics information will not be realized unless air transportation is correctly structured.