Global Combat Support System -Marine Corps (GCSS-MC) in the News
The 1st MAW Prepares for GCSS-MC: An Interview with Col Michelsen
This article appeared in the August/September edition of the Implementation Insider
GCSS-MC
continues to make progress towards total force implementation. While the Field
User Evaluation (FUE) units continue to transact on the system, a second group
of Marines is preparing, full speed ahead, for the implementation of GCSS-MC at
the 1st
MAW scheduled for Oct. 1-4. This group is implementing lessons learned from
their FUE counterparts and is being proactive with their cutover activities.
They clearly see the benefits that GCSS-MC will bring to their logistics
activities. Recently, the Insider spoke (via e-mail) with Col Michelsen, the
Wing G-4, about GCSS-MC and the upcoming cutover. Read on for the questions and
Col Michelsen’s responses.
Q. What are you currently doing to prepare for the
implementation of GCSS-MC at the 1st MAW?
A. There are many activities underway in preparation for the
cut over to GCSS-MC. Right now, we are ensuring that our staff is supervising
Data Cleansing (DC) efforts to make sure that our legacy supply records, such as
Mechanized Allowance List (MAL) and Consolidated Memorandum Receipt (CMR) to
name a few, match our on-hand records in order to adhere to >=99% standard.
Additionally, we are tracking the status of metrics, such as Billet
Identification Codes (BIC), training, additional computers, DC, and keeping our
senior leadership aware of our progress toward implementation. Our staff is
fully engaged in III MEF's GCSS-MC implementation working group; their focus is
on implementation challenges, such as the priority fixes and policy shortfalls.
One important aspect of our readiness is active positive communication with
higher, adjacent, and subordinate units. 1st MAW and III MEF view implementation
as a team effort and when unforeseen challenges arise we take a proactive
response by realigning resources if needed.
Q. What role do you think leadership plays in the
successful implementation of GCSS-MC?
A. Change can be daunting to some, especially in reference to
automated information systems. Strong, effective leadership is invaluable to
leading and managing complex change. Leadership establishes the mission and the
vision for all to follow...and that keeps the Marines focused. In addition, by
taking an active role personally and through the training and mentoring of
change agents, such as the mid-level leaders/managers, Marines gain greater
appreciation for clarity of the vision and how their actions contribute to
mission accomplishment, resulting in a more successful implementation.
Q. Describe how the capabilities of GCSS-MC will
improve the way your unit performs logistics functions?
A. The raw capabilities of GCSS-MC need to be systematically
incorporated into our enterprise-wide Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures
(TTPs). These are still being
developed, but the way ahead is very promising.
We will have near real-time access to parts information, effectively
changing the way we measure maintenance actions from days or weeks to hours.
Operational readiness will also be near real-time allowing commanders and
staffs to perform mission analysis and course of action development more
rapidly. It will be more challenging for Marines to enter erroneous supply
information into GCSS-MC, thereby improving our accountability.
Lastly, it will establish life cycle history for equipment allowing us to
accurately program for resources, i.e., funding for depot-level maintenance,
corrosion restoration facilities, corrosion service teams, secondary repairables,
etc.
Q. What do you think the biggest challenge will be in
implementing GCSS-MC?
A. Meshing
the implementation of GCSS-MC with the myriad of competing demands on our
Groups/Squadrons and their Marines; for example, III MEF's very aggressive
Training Exercise Employment Plan (TEEP) and support for OEF and Unit Deployment
Program (UDP). Many Marines possess multiple responsibilities and some of these
responsibilities call them away from their GCSS-MC implementation
responsibilities
Q. How are you working to overcome that challenge?
A. We anticipated this challenge and proactively engaged the
commanders and their staff on the best window to implement GCSS-MC, outlined
their roles and responsibilities, for data cleansing, training and other cutover
duties, then worked to provide them whatever support they required. These
actions are mitigating the challenge considerably.
Q. What is the greatest benefit of GCSS-MC to the
Marine Corps?
A. Tactically, we will be significantly more operationally
effective by being able to more rapidly make well informed decisions about our
equipment. Strategically, we will
have the ability to accurately program and "defend" our tactical and strategic
equipment sustainment resource requirements thereby maximizing the effectiveness
of our funding.
