Under the watchful eyes of a site support team at Rock Island, Ill., the Logistics Modernization Program went 'live' Oct. 21 across the vast reach of Army Sustainment Command. Led by Jenny Harper (center), ASC Enterprise Integration section, experts ...

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. - In the pre-dawn hours Oct. 21, Army Sustainment Command went "live" with the Logistics Modernization Program.

While a specialized LMP site support team monitored events from a temporary operations center here, James Bowen successfully logged in from his terminal in Iraq, culminating years of preparation.

"We have assembled experts in all facets of LMP to ensure a smooth transition," said Jenny Harper, team leader.

Things were pretty quiet the first morning, a testament to ASC's preparation. Employing a cadre approach, the command trained expert users, who returned to their units and passed on their knowledge to their comrades and colleagues.

According to an Army Logistics University fact sheet, LMP was first fielded in 2003 and has become the world's largest fully integrated supply chain and maintenance, repair, and overhaul planning and execution solution.

Integrating with more than 70 DOD systems, LMP promises near-real time action, completing 98.5 percent of user transactions in less than 2 seconds.

The LMP modernizes both the systems and the processes by which the Army manages its supply chain at the national and installation levels, making it a cornerstone of the Materiel Enterprise

Joel Heller, a Booz Allen Hamilton employee and member of ASC's

LMP site support team, has first-hand knowledge of the improvements.

"We're replacing legacy systems, like the Commodity Command Standard System (CCSS) and the Standard Depot System (SDS), which were not efficiently linked," Heller said.

By enabling vertical and horizontal integration at all levels of logistics across the Army, LMP is said by Army Logistics University experts to improve planning, forecasting, and rapid order fulfillment that lead to streamlined supply lines, improved distribution, a reduced theater footprint, and a warfighter who is equipped and ready to respond to present and future threats.

To ensure LMP engages smoothly across ASC's global network of Army Field Support Brigades and Battalions, the site support team will maintain round-the-clock operations.

"We're available 24/7," said Harper. "We have an 'issue tracker' system installed to ensure rapid response and effective solutions."

From forward operating bases in the dusty Afghan hinterland to the silent holds of Army Prepositioned Stocks ships, LMP is coming to life, enabling ASC to stand "On the Line" with the Soldiers it sustains.