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CHAPTER 3

TECHNOLOGY

3-1. BACKGROUND. The increased use of containerization, both for UE and sustainment, demands a responsive management system to track shipments from origin to destination. The supported CINC needs accurate logistics information when planning, modifying, or committing resources in support of operations. Logistics considerations often are the unknown variables planners need to make decisions affecting a planned operation. Detailed and timely logistics information is often unavailable. Lessons learned in ODS, Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia demonstrated the need to improve the quality of logistics information. With each deployment, the increased use of automated tracking technology on containers has resulted in improved, near real time visibility of Army assets in transport.

3-2. DOD TRANSPORTATION POLICY. DOD transportation policy requires shippers of cargo to generate transportation information IAW procedures established in DOD transportation regulations. Joint Publication 4-0 delineates that DOD Regulation 4500.32-R, MILSTAMP, be used to document the transportation requirements of cargo in the DOD intermodal container system. MILSTAMP prescribes standard data elements, codes, formats, documents, forms, rules, methods, and procedures required by DOD components and other US Government Agencies/civil authorities, in the transportation and movement of materiel to, within, and beyond the DTS. DOD Regulation 4500.9-R, DTR, Part II, Cargo Movement, prescribes policies and procedures and assigns responsibilities for performing traffic management functions initiated or sponsored by DOD activities.

3-3. AUTOMATED INFORMATION SYSTEMS. DOD automated information systems are designed to interface with commercial transportation information systems to receive and pass required personnel, unit, and cargo movement data and other transportation information to appropriate commands and agencies throughout the DTS. This capability exists to the extent commercial carriers have formatted their EDI reports to DOT standards.

3-4. AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY. AIT is a suite of equipment and storage media which supports source data automation to facilitate the rapid collection, consolidation, storage, and retrieval of data to and from a particular STAMIS or joint AIS. In regards to commercial industry, EDI is recognized as the most cost effective and efficient means of information transfer from commercial carriers to the military for data acquisition and support of ITV objectives. However, the requirement for direct vendor linear bar coding of DOD shipments is mandated contractually.

3-5. RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION. RF identification, RFDC, OMC, bar coding, and two-dimensional bar coding each have advantages based on their unique capabilities. Each of these technologies will be used at one or more locations within the total distribution system in support of operational requirements. All AIT media is considered complimentary and should be used concurrently.

After experimenting with several technologies through the battle lab process, CASCOM determined that omni-directional, read/write RF tags currently meet the Army's requirement for nodal ITV and in-the-box visibility, classification, and prioritization at the operational and tactical level. Given the limitations in providing assured communications, RF technology is unmatched in the austere environment. The read/write, omni-directional capability of this technology reduces the need for soldiers to manually process data thereby reducing source data errors.

Currently the BD concept is neither policy nor doctrine. Figure 3-1 shows a notional BD distribution flow and the management functions at the various levels. The BD concept employs a DMC which includes elements of the MMC, MCC, and MMMC. The DMC controls, de-conflicts, and prioritizes the distribution process. The AIT enabling technology to accomplish this is provided via the use of bar coding, OMCs, and RF tags.

Figure 3-1. Battlefield Distribution

When RF technology is employed in a contingency, the ASCC would be responsible for allocating assets to support the implementation of the technology. Needed are personnel to form an 'ad hoc' fusion cell and personnel to setup, operate, and maintain the ancillary RF equipment. This support would typically come from the TAACOM and certainly the CSS command subordinate to the TAACOM would play key rolls. CINCs must realize that until this technology is fielded and Army units are properly trained in the use of this equipment. Contractor support is required to assist in the set-up and maintenance of this equipment.

3-6. OVERVIEW OF RF TECHNOLOGY. The need to know what you have, where it is, and how to find it anywhere in the logistics system is critical in projecting and sustaining the force. Effective and efficient distribution management depends on reliable logistics information. It is in this setting that the unique capabilities of RF technology far exceed the simple source data capabilities normally associated with other forms of AIT, such as OMCs. Whether in a port, SSA, staging area, cargo transfer point, or ammunition storage point, RF technology offers advantages which are essential to effective distribution.

Radio frequency identification uses radio wave transmission and reception to pass MILSTRIP/MILSTAMP shipment information about objects that need to be identified or tracked. These objects can be vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, pallets, containers, or other intermodal equipment. The information is stored on the tag with media storage capability similar to a computer's random access memory. Antennas or "interrogators" can read the information contained on the tag attached to the item and pass it back to a central database. Under certain conditions, it will also be desirable to write to the tag from an interrogator in order to update information concerning the tagged item. It is this remote "stand-off" read/write capability that sets the RF tag apart from other automatic identification technologies such as bar coding and OMCs. Currently these tags can be manipulated at a range of approximately 250 feet between the RF tag and interrogator.

RF tags, by the nature of their construction, allow a greater flexibility than traditional bar coding in placement on the tagged item. Omni-directional radio wave propagation allows the tag to be read even when the interrogator is not in a direct "line of sight" with the tag. It is possible to read identification information off the tag while the item is moving. The identification information, in conjunction with RF tag MILSTRIP/MILSTAMP initial "write" records, provides near-real time nodal ITV via GTN and ultimately TAV. This means that the distribution process is not interrupted because in-transit items no longer have to be stopped and physically accounted for on arrival or departure. RF tags can also assist in locating/identifying commodities placed in a physically inaccessible location (for examples stacked containers and during hours of darkness or obscured vision). However, tag reading can be disrupted or degraded by metal obstructions that prevent the radio waves from reaching the tags.

RF technology can significantly improve the overall operation of the battlefield distribution system. It is one of the essential enablers needed to support ITV requirements identified in the TDAP. RF technology will be used to:

• Automate source data input requirements.
• Facilitate future processing and documentation.
• Automatically report events that occur in the distribution system.
• Locate and identify major end items.
• Intensely manage supply items and the contents of containers and air pallets.