U.S. Army Europe (USAREUR) continues to be on the leading edge of technology development for logistics information systems in the Army. USAREUR-developed or -introduced technology includes the Joint Deployment Logistics Model/Logistics Common Operating Picture and automatic identification technology. These technologies were spiral-developed in the command and are based on the changing needs of warfighters. (Spiral development is a process that industry experts describe as “build a little, test a little, build a little.” By using this approach, new technologies can be incorporated into new weapon platforms and systems, rather than delivering solutions using only those technologies that existed when the systems were initially designed.)

Background

USAREUR funded the development of the Joint Deployment Logistics Model (JDLM) as a simulation exercise tool in 1998 for the 7th Army Training Command (since renamed the Joint Multinational Training Command [JMTC]) and the 21st Theater Support Command (TSC) in Germany. JDLM provided commanders and their staffs a tool to use when conducting mission planning, rehearsals, and training associated with power projection. Live data feeds were incorporated into JDLM in 2001, which allowed logisticians to track operational deployments and redeployments in the Balkans.

In 2003, during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), JDLM was used to create the Logistics Common Operating Picture (LCOP). The LCOP provides commanders near real-time logistics asset management tools and decision support tools using a combination of JDLM, the Integrated Logistics Analysis Program (ILAP), and in-transit visibility (ITV).

JDLM/LCOP provides a modeling and simulation capability using real-world feeds and allows automated repetitive tasks and queries to be saved as required. V Corps and the 3d Corps Support Command (COSCOM) used JDLM in the predeployment planning process for time-phased force and deployment data (TPFDD) analysis, logistics modeling, and simulation exercises before deploying to OIF in 2003 and 2004. JDLM/LCOP provided a look at distribution management in combat operations for the theater and corps by integrating strategic logistics information and displaying the information graphically.

Using the spiral development process, USAREUR and Tapestry Solutions, Inc., a company specializing in military modeling and simulation training tools, continued to improve the systems used in OIF. JDLM/LCOP was adopted by follow-on units in OIF and grew into a large operating base embedded with field support engineers. More than 150 JDLM/LCOP systems are currently in place in Southwest Asia.

In early 2004, JDLM/LCOP was formally adopted by the Product Manager (PM) for Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. JDLM operations integrated the capabilities of the Combat Service Support Control System (CSSCS) to become the Army BCS3.

Soldiers in the 21st Theater Support Command receive training on the Battle Command Sustainment Support System (BCS3).

BCS3 Concept

BCS3 is part of the Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS) and provides combat power analysis, future combat power analysis, ITV, logistics course-of-action (COA) analysis, and information for commanders’ critical information requirements reports. Together, these functions help commanders to make informed decisions rapidly and effectively to support today’s fight and tomorrow’s follow-on actions. BCS3 provides the logistics portion of combat power by displaying the current status and future projections of fuel, ammunition, critical weapon systems, and personnel.

BCS3 exchanges data among unclassified and classified systems, integrates actionable data, interoperates with ABCS, and incorporates unit data from Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade and Below (FBCB2). BCS3 provides the logistics portion of the common operating picture.

USAREUR ITV/RFID

The USAREUR Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–4, pioneered the use of automatic identification technology (AIT), such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and satellite tracking systems, in the theater. RFID technology provides logisticians ITV of sustainment, deployment and redeployment, and contingency operations. The success of ITV technology in USAREUR paved the way for current Department of Defense (DOD) RFID policies.

USAREUR continuously provides resources to improve the quality and dependability of the various AIT systems, including the Defense Transportation Reporting and Control System (DTRACS), Transportation Coordinators’ Automated Information for Movement System (TC–AIMS), and Vistar satellite tracking system. AIT transmissions to all service components and commercial vendors that support DOD are distributed from the AIT server in Schwetzingen, Germany.

Current BCS3 Operations in USAREUR

PM BCS3 provided an interim fielding to USAREUR to support planned V Corps deployments to Iraq and Combined Joint Task Force 76 operations in Afghanistan. The interim fielding of BCS3 replaced the JDLM systems in theater and enabled support of sustainment and contingency operations in the area of operations. USAREUR and PM BCS3 successfully completed the fielding and new equipment training for over 125 systems and operators throughout Europe’s Central Region.

BCS3 is being incorporated into the business practices of USAREUR and V Corps, and it provided the logistics and transportation portion of the LCOP in two recent predeployment exercises, Urgent Victory and Unified Endeavor. USAREUR continues to provide funding to support ongoing development of JDLM simulations through the JMTC in order to enhance BCS3 simulation capabilities. USAREUR also is providing development funding for the Internet-based BCS3 TransLog Web application at the 21st TSC.

BCS3 TransLog Web, released by Tapestry Solutions in March 2004, provides a single point of entry for transportation movement requests and publishes a consolidated movement program for distribution operations. It can run on either the NIPRNet (Unclassified but Sensitive Internet Protocol Router Network) or the SIPRNet (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network), depending on the security requirements. TransLog Web works hand-in-hand with BCS3 to provide an end-to-end solution. It has been formally adopted by the 1st COSCOM and the 377th TSC in OIF and is used to manage more than 200 military and contracted convoys a day in combat logistics operations. TransLog Web is currently undergoing testing and evaluation at the 21st TSC. When formally accepted by USAREUR, it will be a key information system for movement control and logistics operations throughout the Central Region.

Road Ahead

The next steps in technology transformation call for USAREUR to —
• Develop policies and doctrine to integrate BCS3 and AIT into its day-to-day business practices.
• Gather requirements for future development.
• Prepare USAREUR for transformation and BCS3 6.4 ABCS fielding and training.
• Develop BCS3 sustainment training in a class-room environment at the JMTC’s Combined Arms Training Center in Vilseck, Germany.
• Continue to work with the PMs for BCS3 and Joint Automatic Identification Technology to develop logistics information technology and capabilities.

Logistics information systems must continuously transform to keep pace with current warfighting requirements while providing a link to the Army’s Future Force. USAREUR is proud to lead the way.
ALOG

Brian Swan is the Chief of the Command and Control and Mobility Support Branch, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G–4, U.S. Army Europe. He is a recent graduate of the Army Management Staff College’s Sustaining Base Leadership Management Course.