Author Description

This study explores the Future Tactical Truck System (FTTS) as it applies to the sustainment distribution system on the future battlefield. Objective Force logistics on the battlefield is required by the Objective Force Concept White Paper to be sustainable, trainable, versatile, responsive, survivable and agile. The FTTS is scheduled to be the primary transport vehicle that would enable the OF sustainment distribution system. The FTTS, with movement tracking system (MTS) and embedded radio frequency (RF-Tag) technology will improve motor transport operations and sustainment. The primary application of these technologies alone, in and of themselves will not be enough to meet Objective Force requirements. Changes to doctrine, organization, training, leader development, materials, personnel and facilities (DOTLM-PF) have to be explored to maximize the effectiveness of the FTTS enabled sustainment distribution system in the Objective Force. To investigate and gauge the appropriate changes, analysis is needed to test viable concepts. This study explores four proven logistical concepts from top American corporations; Schneider Trucking Corporation's concepts for fleet management and maintenance management, Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad's concept for railcar management and Wal-Mart's concept for distribution management. These concepts are applied to a FTTS sustainment distribution model and analyzed through the prism of DOTLM-PF to gain insights on possible changes that meet the Objective Force requirements and maximize effectiveness of the system. Qualitative analysis is used to provide discovery, insight and understanding through the eye of the researcher.