FORT LEE, Va. -- As the Army transitions from a decade of war, it must re-think its way of doing business in order to prepare for the challenges ahead.
A forum hosted by CASCOM focused on those challenges and how to shape logistics for the Army of 2020 and beyond. The command, in partnership with the U.S. Army Logistics Innovation Agency, is in the process of determining ways to improve logistics support, while reducing costs. The two groups came together June 19 for the annual forum designed to facilitate information exchange.
The theme for this year's meeting was 'game changing logistics solutions for the Army of 2020 and beyond.'
"Without question, the work and dialogue developed here will effectively address the logistics challenges of the 21st century battlefield," said Maj. Gen. Larry D. Wyche, CASCOM and Fort Lee commanding general. He encouraged participants to "seize the opportunity and engage in frank and open discussions about the topics crucial to the logistics community."
The long range goal of the partnership is to ensure synchronization and integration of efforts are from the deputy chief of staff of the Army G-4 (logistics), to the Training and Doctrine Command. According to Dr. Mindy Perot, liaison officer Logistics Innovation Agency, whether its policy or process improvements or collaboration on DOTMLPF [doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, personnel or facilities] type solutions, working together ensures the appropriate integration of efforts.
Information exchanged during the day-long meeting included discussions on logistics automation, capabilities needs analysis, robotics and cargo unmanned aerial vehicles. Participants also viewed a demonstration of the condition based maintenance plus pilot program.
As part of the CBM+ demonstration, attendees viewed a practical application of the program at the U.S. Army Ordnance School campus. The program will provide Soldiers, involved in maintaining equipment, the ability to better troubleshoot problems and provide preventative maintenance while reducing costs.
"The program augments routine health and usage data collection and reporting tasks," said Ken Beam, logistics management specialist for LIA. "Vehicles can self-report usage data when they enter the motor pool area, which allows motor sergeants to prepare and prioritize maintenance plans based on the data collected."
Discussions facilitated by the forum, supported efforts to more efficiently and effectively seek logistics capabilities and solutions required to sustain the future Army, Perot added. By meeting yearly, the agencies can ensure there isn't a duplication of efforts.
"Our agencies work different aspects of force modernization and to be successful we have to be synchronized," said William F. Moore, deputy to the commanding general. "This meeting provided us a focus to update some of our current projects and efforts, and to make sure we are all marching in the same direction."
The partnership is in its third year, and includes support from many other organizations including Army Materiel Command, Army Capabilities Integration Center and the Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity.
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