Rapid Data system speeds up operation
Cpl. John E. Lawson Jr.
Combat Correspondent
October 21 2004
The burden of requesting supplies and sending reports from the front lines could soon become a lot lighter, thanks to a new program being tested by 2d Force Service Support Group (Forward).
The Camp Lejeune-based unit recently contracted for the purchase of 10 Rapid Data Management System units to field test during training and potential upcoming deployment.
The system consists of "ruggadized" Recon Personal Digital Assistants and Global Positioning System attachments loaded with software from Global Relief Technologies. The system, when paired with a satellite telephone or computer with Internet access, transmits data to an off-site file server to be compiled and posted to the system's Web site for review by unit commanders.
"The abilities of this system are endless, because we design the system for the user's needs," said Mike Fitzgerald, systems administrator for GRT.
Forms are designed by Marines to meet their needs. They are then loaded onto the system by GRT. Any form can be loaded onto the E-mail-ready PDAs.
Forms included on the demonstration system included SALUTE reports, used to report enemy movement, Medical Evacuation requests and road reconnaissance reports, in addition to other user-defined reports. Food and supply order forms and replacement parts requests for Marine equipment will also be loaded in the near future.
The system, when practically applied, enables Marines in remote locations to quickly request needed supplies from higher commands.
"Let's say you're in a remote location, and you are running out of [Meals, Ready to Eat]. You fill out the form already loaded onto your PDA and transmit it to the server," Fitzgerald said. "The report appears almost instantly, along with a map and GPS coordinates showing where the request originated. The command sees the request and knows exactly where to send the MREs."
The PDA's e-mail capabilities allow for confirmation and tracking of the order or request.
The system is faster and more efficient than paper requests, and allows less room for error when compared to radio communication.
The system's user interface features mainly drop-down menus and multiple-choice options to hasten the reporting process and standardize responses so GRT can automatically format the information into graphs and charts. The Marines have complete control over the available options or possibility of numerical or text entries when designing the report form.
The software is similar to software the company designed for Non-Governmental Organizations operating in remote locations around the world, including Afghanistan.
When loaded onto the lightweight, waterproof PDAs, the system becomes "the last 300 meters of technology in a disconnected environment," according to Chip Peter, vice president of engineering and operations for GRT.
"The system takes the information from the 'tip of the spear' and pushes it back to the commanders" to be fed into other systems in the Marine Corps and meet logistical and operational requirements.
The system is not capable of handling classified or secret information but does offer some level of protection. "Our password-protected Web site uses the same level of security most people trust for online banking," Peter said.
While the Marine Corps is receiving its first 10 units, other organizations have expressed interest in the system, said Victor Riley, director of civilian / military sales at GRT and a retired Marine colonel.
Other organizations that have expressed interest in the system include the Army's 18th Airborne Corps, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
"This system creates instant access to reports and information I need to accomplish my mission," said Cpl. David Swaney, administrations clerk, 2d FSSG (Fwd). "I need reports from five or six different places, but now they can submit the reports on the PDAs and I pull them from the Web site. It will cut down on the time I spend waiting for the information."