CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan -- After 16 months of testing and transition, III Marine Expeditionary Force became the first MEF to complete the conversion to the new Global Combat Support System-Marine Corps, June 5.
The GCSS-MC, a web-based logistics system, was designed based on commercial logistics and supply software using industry-best products and modified to fit specific USMC requirements. The system eliminates supply and maintenance paper trails, while streamlining accountability, said Eric Gray, Headquarters Marine Corps, Installation and Logistics Department, Logistics, Plans, Policies, Strategic Mobility Division liaison officer to III MEF.
III MEF has been transitioning to GCSS-MC since March 2010, when Marines with Combat Logistics Regiment 35 and CLR-3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF, began utilizing the new system in garrison.
After being used in garrison by III MEF for roughly a year, GCSS-MC made a successful first appearance in a forward environment with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing in Atsugi, Japan while the unit conducted relief efforts following Japan’s March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
The process of completely switching over to the new system occurred in six phases over the course of 15 months, said Gray.
Despite the fact that some general anxiety surrounded the initial transition, the overall switch was painless, said Chief Warrant Officer Michael S. Banting, maintenance officer with Combat Logistics Battalion 31, 3rd MLG.
“There was some negativity going around because not everyone likes changes,” said Banting, who has been working with GCSS-MC for over a year. “However, once everyone got involved and spent time with the program, we realized we get more customer and user feedback, which helps us complete our mission more efficiently.”
Although field-user evaluations with the GCSS-MC began later than originally planned due to a number of challenges, III MEF completed the transition several months earlier than anticipated through scheduling solutions.
“The Satellite GCSS-MC Operations Center WestPac here has been vital to the overall successful conversion to the GCSS-MC,” said Gray. “The Marines of the III MEF G-4, along with the G-4s of the MLG, 3rd Marine Division, 1st MAW, Marine Corps Bases Japan and Hawaii have also been a critical component of our success.”
III MEF being the first to completely transition to the GCSS-MC is important because it is leading the way with a transformational system, said Gray. The benefits of the new system will gradually become apparent over time.
“We are merely scraping the surface with what GCSS-MC offers our Corps,” said Gray. “I have no doubt we will see increasing benefits from the changes in the coming months and years.”
For Lance Cpl. Robert Dohse, a supply clerk with CLB-31, the system is a highly convenient program that will enhance mission readiness.
“I definitely prefer this new system,” said Dohse. “The day-to-day transactions or modifications are easy and done in real-time, so we don’t have to wait 24 hours for any changes to be processed.”
“I like the idea that everyone involved with the GCSS-MC at III MEF is putting themselves out there in front and taking the challenge of being the first to make the switch,” said Dohse. “This program change is a big step for us--not only for us in the supply world, but for the Corps as a whole.”
I and II MEF are following III MEF’s lead, with transitions beginning in September and plans to be operationally capable approximately 20 months later.
A Marine Corps-wide transition is expected to be complete by April 2013, redefining the maintenance and supply process for all equipment within garrison and deployed environments.
“This transformational logistics system brings an incredible new capability to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force,” said Gray. “This transition will mark a historical moment for the Marine Corps.”