This monograph examines the Battlefield Distribution (BD) concept to determine if it is capable of integrating the six tactical sustainment functions in order to form a more responsive distribution system. The current distribution system is judged to be fragmented along functional lines and slow to respond to user requirements. The BD concept is designed to be a more responsive system by alleviating the deficiencies in the current system. The monograph examines the current and proposed distribution systems and conducts a comparative analysis, using civilian industry models, to determine if the BD concept is a holistic approach and is capable of increasing user confidence. The monograph begins with a brief historical review of the evolution of the army's distribution system. Then it examines in detail the current distribution system and highlights the functional alignment of the six sustainment functions and their supporting information management systems. The monograph then shows that the lack of system confidence is a function of four problem categories in the current system; structural issues, user behavior, unresponsiveness to change, and low standards. The monograph then turns to describing the BD concept. The monograph describes the centralization and consolidation of distribution management functions and the integration of new information and communications technologies into the proposed distribution system. In the analysis section the monograph conducts a comparative analysis of the current system, the proposed system, and civilian distribution models. The analysis section defines civilian theory which is successfully being applied to increase efficiencies in industry distribution systems. The monograph concludes that the BD concept is founded on successful civilian industry theory and is a holistic approach toward solving the problems in the current distribution system. The research indicates that the BD concept does have the capability to integrate the six sustainment functions by centralizing management functions and consolidating distribution activities. The monograph also concludes that the BD concept is designed to correct the structural issues and the unresponsiveness to change deficiencies but does not adequately correct the user behavior and low standards problems. The monograph concludes that BD creates a confidence paradox by providing a more efficient system which will not be utilized by the rational user in the high friction environment of war. Overcoming rational human behavior is and will always be a formidable challenge for the army distribution system.

ADA 309665 Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)