Maintaining awareness of emergent technologies can often result in information overload and lead to frustration. This recurring pattern may encourage leaders to apply standard methods that have worked in the past. Such familiar choices often provide comfort and efficiency.
However, some tools and processes are so powerful that the benefits are worth taking the time to learn. Their comprehensive capabilities can maximize operational effectiveness.
For example, geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) assets that are provided and funded throughout the joint, interorganizational, and multinational domain can be remarkably applicable when planning and executing port activities, establishing distribution networks, and initiating reception, staging, onward movement, and integration (RSOI) operations.
WHAT IS GEOINT?
Joint Publication 2-03, Geospatial Intelligence Support in Joint Operations, defines GEOINT as "the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess, and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on the earth." The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) provides GEOINT analysis, products, data, and services at the national level.
A discipline of academic study known as geographic information systems (GIS) is evolving from GEOINT and the collection of other data (such as census, historical, meteorological, and geological information) and is shaping many commercial enterprises. The Defense Logistics Agency is the supply chain manager that provides the Department of Defense with GIS-related products.
GIS PRODUCTS
There are numerous commercial off-the-shelf, web-based GIS products available to conduct basic topographic reconnaissance with some level of clarity. The long accepted industry standard software suite for GIS applications is ArcGIS. Similar enhanced applications are available through the secret internet protocol router network (SIPRNET) and the Joint Worldwide Communications System.
Most smartphone and computer users are familiar with Google Earth. Map of the World, which is available on the nonsecure internet protocol router network, the SIPRNET, and the Joint Worldwide Communications System, is a web-based NGA product that seems similar to Google Earth. This capability provides an excellent overarching planning resource for logisticians.
Multiple map layers can be turned on and off to create planning and execution products tailored to the task at hand. Combined with the analysis available on the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command's Transportation Engineering Agency website, Map of the World can revolutionize port operations planning within organizations that are currently using potentially outdated methods.
Initial distribution network design within theater opening is a critical planning feature that affects future logistics efficiency. NGA provides a plethora of SIPRNET- based products that will assist in establishing an optimal network, analyzing threats, and assessing infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command has partnered with a contractor to establish the Intelligent Road/Rail Information Server. This GIS database provides weather, railway interchange data, bridge information, and roadway integrity classification. It is available at http://www.irris.com.
USING GIS FOR RSOI
Planning RSOI operations is always complex. At its foundation, RSOI is a spatial problem combined with an extensive series of time phases. GIS analysts or Soldiers can readily resolve spatial challenges using spatial analysis.
Force flow provides a planning parameter that determines necessary operational space at a given time. Real estate allocation requests can be substantiated using a GIS. A staging area can be determined using historical climate data to identify problem areas such as those with patterns of heavy flooding.
Onward movement and integration can also be effectively planned using mobility assessment tools found in many joint, interorganizational, and multinational systems that pull GIS data. These tools are very similar to distribution network planning tools.
GEOINT is extremely useful for sustainment leaders at all levels. Implementing GEOINT education and awareness improves logistics and is also an extremely effective leader development opportunity.
GEOINT and GIS tools should be used by logistics planners at the strategic through tactical levels on a regular basis. Planners should reach out to strategic partners at the NGA, the U.S. Transportation Command, and the Defense Logistics Agency and receive advice from installation-level GEOINT experts.
--------------------
Maj. Mike Harrell is the division transportation officer for the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Red Cloud, Korea. He holds a bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in multidisciplinary studies from North Carolina State University and a GIS graduate certificate from the Center for Earth Observation at North Carolina State University. He also holds a master's degree in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief logistics from the Florida Institute of Technology. He is a graduate of the Theater Logistics Planners Course
--------------------
This article was published in the March-April 2017 issue of Army Sustainment magazine.
Related Links:
Discuss This Article in milSuite
Browse March-April 2017 Magazine
Army Sustainment Magazine Archives
Social Sharing