U.S. Joint Forces Command news release (Aug. 23, 2005): commands working to improve joint planning in military deployment and distribution.

SUFFOLK, Va. -- U.S. Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) and U.S. Transportation Command (US-TRANSCOM) have partnered to deliver joint deployment and global distribution process improvement.

The two commands implemented Unified View (UV), a joint deployment and global distribution developmental pathway, which applies the Pentagon's Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) to rapidly achieve needed deployment and distribution changes.

According to Navy Cmdr. Dave Kindley, who oversees USJFCOM's UV team, any command could propose and execute a deployment and distribution process change, but it might only solve a one-time situational problem.

"To really improve end-to-end situational awareness and better control the flow of assets into theater, everybody needs to be in the loop earlier," said Kindley, who explained why joint planning and execution community (JPEC) subject matter experts (SME) were assembled at USJFCOM's Suffolk complex for a 5-day workshop, held from Aug. 15 to Aug. 19.

"This group is smart," said Kindley. "They are the recognized and vocal experts in the field, and they're here to discuss and suggest joint solutions to the most pressing problems facing the deployment and distribution world."

To illustrate how important regulating and sharing information about the flow of assets into theater is, Kindley told a short story about how two units were sending trucks into theater, but unfortunately, they were going to the same location on the same date, when they were needed in different locations on different dates.

"How do we correct that?" asked Kindley. "That's what these workshops are for--to determine what doctrine, organization, training, material, leadership, education, personnel, and facilities [DOTMLPF] change recommendations are needed to prevent those situations from happening."

By reviewing DOTMLPF, Kindley said that the SMEs are more likely to develop full joint warfighting capabilities enhancements rather than partial fixes.

Dr. Steve Daniels, a contractor supporting the USTRANSCOM Readiness, Exercises and Training Branch, said that the group was reviewing capability shortfalls in three specific focus areas: requirements and movement control, asset visibility, and capability closure.

Ultimately, the solutions will be presented to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC), according to both Kindley and Daniels.

"We don't want recommendations and solutions which will be put into a book and then put onto a bookshelf waiting for problems," said Daniels. "The purpose of this work is to provide near-term solutions for joint warfighters to use immediately."

"When the commander asks, 'When can I expect my capabilities to arrive and when can I count on using them,' we want the supporting commands to be able to respond, 'We have situational awareness on the status of your requested capabilities and they will arrive on time today, tomorrow, in five days,'" said Kindley.

Kindley said that this year's change recommendations are just a starting point. The long-term developmental pathway is a continuing effort.

Colaizzi is with USJFCOM Public Affairs, Norfolk, Va. For more information on USJFCOM, visit the command's Web site at <http://www.usjfcom.mil>.