Partner participation high at Global Campaign Plan for Distribution seminar

Attendance was larger than anticipated, but greatly appreciated, at the Global Campaign Plan for Distribution synchronization seminar held last week. Representatives from partner organizations advised U.S. Transportation Command on the mission analysis portion of the work it’s conducting as Unified Command Plan-assigned synchronizer for the Department of Defense GCP-D.

The purpose of the GCP-D is to align distribution planning and related activities of combatant commands, services, and Defense agencies.

“You are critical to us getting this right,” said Air Force Col. Jean Mahan, plans and capabilities deputy division chief, Strategy, Policy, Plans, & Logistics (J5/4), USTRANSCOM, in her remarks to the nearly 50 representatives of partner organizations. “We have a full house and hope to continue to have you all with us throughout this process.”

During the seminar, attendees helped refine several components of the In-Process Review – Alpha, the USTRANSCOM Commander’s initial presentation for validation and buy-in from the Under Secretary of Defense – Policy and the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Attendees included representatives from the combatant commands, services, components, Defense Logistics Agency, General Services Administration, the Department of State, Joint Staff and Office of the Secretary of Defense. Each had the opportunity to highlight capabilities as well as potential future requirements.

“DLA’s participation in this effort provides a significant contribution because of the distribution capability the agency owns and operates,” said Sandra Ellis, lead strategic logistics planner, Joint Logistics Operations Center, DLA. “Taking advantage of these capabilities can provide efficient and effective support that is flexible on a global scale.”

USTRANSCOM is following standard joint operation planning protocol in its role as synchronizer. During IPR-A, Air Force Gen. William M. Fraser III, commander, will present the GCP-D mission statement, submit his guidance including an outline of key tasks, facts, assumptions and limitations that will determine the plan’s success, and describe the mission end state, or picture of what “mission accomplished” looks like.

“This is a DOD, not a TRANSCOM plan,” said Air Force Col. Michael Day, global distribution plans branch chief, J5/4, USTRANSCOM. “Everyone has equities and needs to be at the table. This is your opportunity to help us shape this for the department.”

Added Ellis, “By creating a positive environment for people to meet and exchange ideas, share experiences, and strengthen relationships, USTRANSCOM is encouraging teamwork and the development of new distribution concepts. Once fully realized, these new concepts will deliver a greater range of distribution operations capabilities, affording more options and choices for the Department.”

After IPR-A in March, USTRANSCOM will begin the Concept Development phase of the UCP-D, with the next presentation to DOD senior leaders scheduled for September.

-USTRANSCOM-