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GLSC to provide better warfighter support for supply chain management issues

  • Published
  • By Amanda Creel
  • 78 ABW/PA
The Global Logistics Support Center will provide a single face to the warfighter for supply chain management issues, where the warfighter will always know where to turn with any supply chain needs.

The GLSC will focus on approaching supply chain management through an enterprise view rather than having multiple competing agencies within the Air Force managing supply chain management.

"We will go from having six two-star generals responsible for this today, to one one-star responsible for this tomorrow," said Denise Rogers, purchasing and supply chain management integration flight chief and the primary point of contact for Robins with the GLSC at the working level.

By coming under one leader, the GLSC will be able to streamline the supply change management process across the board, creating a more efficient way of doing business.

Robins' role in the GLSC will be as one of the groups responsible for Supply Chain Management planning and executing. Though the GLSC will be physically located at Robins, it will no longer be a part of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center once it stands-up in January.

And though the GLSC will be separate and distinct form the Air Logistics Center, the GLSC will still be dependent on their resources, said Sammy Traylor, supply chain management specialist.

About 1,000 Robins' workers will be realigned to the GLSC, said Patty Martin, director of the 762nd Aircraft Sustainment Group and senior leader for the implementaton of the GLSC.

"The chain of command at some level will change, but they will remain physically at Robins. However, their desks may move," Ms. Martin said.

Ms. Martin added there is no manpower cut quotas that have to be met as part of the transfer of responsibilities to the GLSC.

"We are not going into this wanting to cut a certain amount of people," Ms. Martin said.

However, over time the transfer is expected to decrease the workforce through attrition she said.

One of the benefits of having a central command for supply chain management will be the GLSC has control over the movement of parts and supplies rather than individual major commands.

"Tomorrow the people who will be moving that inventory will all work for one guy," Ms. Martin said.

One of the problems of the present system involves the movement of parts or supplies because sometimes the Air Force will have the needed supply in the inventory, but it will be in the wrong place.

"Tomorrow we will be able to control the movement of all supplies or parts," Ms. Martin said.

This ability will help reduce costs overruns, she added.

The GLSC was designed to help support the Expeditionary Logistics for the 21st Century goals, which are to increase weapon system availability by 20 percent and reduce costs by 10 percent.

Phase I of the GLSC stand up has already been completed with the establishment of a provisional office and the publishing of a Concept of Operations, Charter, Governance Structure, Integrated Master Schedule and Communication Plan.

Phase II is expected to begin in January, pending the approval of Gen. Bruce Carlson, commander of the Air Force Materiel Command, and headquarters Air Force.

The second phase will include establishing the GLSC as the Air Force Supply Chain Management process owner for all depot level reparable items, select engines and pods. The supply chain management functions transferring to the GLSC during the second phase will be Supply Chain Planning and Execution, Supply Chain Operations and Supply Chain Strategy and Integration.

"It is necessary because the Air Force is getting smaller and weapons systems are getting more expensive. It will allow us to save money and use resources more efficiently and effectively," Mr. Traylor said.

The headquarters for the GLSC will be at Scott Air Force Base, Ill.

One of the many benefits of the GLSC will be the small business mentality, said Ms. Martin.

"I think being small business-like will give us an opportunity to focus on the warfighter and work that will truly benefit the warfighter," Ms. Martin said.

One of the ways the GLSC will enhance warfighter support will be through the creation of a one-stop supply chain Web site through the GLSC Portal page where warfighters can access all needed supply chain information.

In the past, according to Mr. Traylor an item manager might have to visit 15 or 20 different places to find something, but under the GLSC all of the systems and tools they need will be on one Web site.

The GLSC will also boast a customer service phone line as part of there Supply Chain Operations Wing where 24 hours a day, seven days a week, warfighters will be able to call and receive timely responses to any warfighters supply chain concerns.

The third phase is not expected to begin until the beginning of fiscal 2008, with an anticipated completion in fiscal 2013. During Phase III the GLSC will begin supporting 88 Air National Guard units, manage contracts and most efficient organization accounts and synchronize Air Force and contractor supported weapons.