Corps testing new logistics software with III MEF
US Marine Corps News
6/3/2010
By Lance Cpl. Shelby R. Shields, Marine Corps Bases Japan
MARINE CORPS BASES JAPAN -- Global Combat Support System Marine Corps speeds the time between placing an order and supply Marines receiving the order.
Both in garrison and while deployed, Marines can look forward to a substantial cut in wait time thanks to GCSS-MC. The program, currently being tested by III Marine Expeditionary Force, is a Marine Corps specific, web-based ordering and tracking system to support the logistics process.
The system is used to order such goods as truck and engine parts, all the way up to trucks and trailers themselves, along with other Marine Corps needs.
Prior to implementing GCSS-MC in late March, standard operating procedures for ordering new or replacement equipment was routed through programs like Marine Corps Integrated Maintenance Management System, PC MIMMS, Supported Activities Supply System and Asset Tracking, Logistics, and Supply System.
“The old program’s biggest fault was human error, people working too fast and not paying attention,” said Sgt. Terrence L. Terrell, a supply administration chief with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, III Marine Logistics group. “This new software has more cautionary measures. Marines will have to try much harder to create the same errors that were easy in the old systems.”
Marines resorted to using anything from note cards and white boards to e-mailed spreadsheets for tracking orders and consolidating information between the systems.
Using the old systems also created inconsistencies from one duty station to the next, said Lt. Col. Jerome J. Chandler, the III MEF supply officer.
The inability to communicate between one system and another, made the work flow slow, complicated and unorganized, he added.
The new system is designed to directly address the consistent, unacceptable lag times on order-fulfillment, redundant ordering and a general lack of faith in the system, according to the Official Marine Corps website for logistical modernization.
“I feel GCSS-MC’s real power and innovation comes from its ability to plan and forecast supply and maintenance requirements,” Chandler said. “Information may be more readily available, instantaneous in some instances, but GCSS-MC won’t make the strategic airlift fly faster or ground transport move any quicker.”
The near-real time information GCSS-MC provides will give units vastly improved asset visibility, reduced customer wait time and decreased dependency on forward positioned material. This all adds up to an ability to confidently reach back all the way to the states for logistical input.
If everything goes according to plan with GCSS-MC and it performs as expected, this new web-based system will be released for implementation Marine Corpswide in September.
“This is the first time we’ve used a computer to put in service requests here,” said Pfc. Joshua J. Fiarris, a maintenance management specialist with Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group.
“At first I was bummed to hear we were using new software because I had just gotten done learning a different system, but this one was easier to learn,” he said. “It’s faster and I can get a lot more done.”
Marines at every level, from those just learning the new system all the way up to those implementing these global changes, have high hopes.
“It’s definitely a game changer,” said Brig. Gen. Robert Ruark, the Marine Corps’ director of logistics. “Lance corporals used to paperwork will see the power of this system and be able to plan and execute better.”
Now, instead of Marines waiting unnecessary amounts of time or worrying if they will ever get the supplies and services crucial to the mission, they can look forward to fast and effective service around the globe.
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