Security Assistance; and Logistics - Federation of American Scientists

distribution, and requisition of parts. Warehousing of parts was accomplished by Iraqipersonnel who maintained ledger records of stock location.The computer system used by the contractor was a proprietary system, and the databasewas in English, not Arabic. The contractor stated that at the time when the partsrequisitioning and monitoring contract expired at the end of November, he did not believethe Iraqis had plans to use the contractor’s database because it was in English. There hadbeen no move to convert the electronic data in the contractor’s database to an Arabicsystem.A senior Coalition advisor stated that the Iraqis may be able to develop informationtechnology solutions locally for Class IX parts support, but that there was a reluctance toestablish a connection between levels. This unwillingness to develop a connected ITsystem apparently had more to do with a perceived surrendering of authority and powerthan with computer capability. (This is part of the cultural aspect underlying thedifficulties of establishing an effective and efficient logistics system…localunwillingness to be transparent which could lead to loss of authority.)ConclusionIn view of the diverse parts inventory required by the wide assortment of vehiclesmaintained in the Iraqi Army, the lack of a sufficient number and quality of Iraqi Armylogisticians trained and experienced in stock control and repair parts requisition andhandling, and the inefficiencies caused by lack of sufficient information technologyresources, we believe the move to transition repair parts materiel management fromCoalition to Iraqi Army responsibility was premature and occurred before the Iraqi Armywas capable of assuming the mission.Recommendations, Client Comments, and OurResponse18.a. We recommend that Commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq adopt a phased approach to transition Class IX to the Iraqi Army, coordinating withthe Iraqi Ministry of Defense to incrementally transfer Class IX repair parts control onlyas the Iraqi Army demonstrates the capacity to manage the system.Client CommentsCommander, MNSTC-I concurred. The Commander stated that MNSTC-I wasimplementing a strategy of incremental, conditions-based transition of responsibility ofClass IX responsibility to the IA. He stated that the contract to provide contractedmentors and teachers for 3 rd line supply warehousing, distribution, and managementwould end in May 2009. Transition of 4 th Line maintenance would occur incrementallyas the various workshops at Taji reached initial operating capability. Distribution ofClass IX parts forward of 3 rd Line is currently under Iraq control, and distribution fromthe National Depot to 3 rd Line would transition to Iraqi control when the IA GeneralTransportation Regiment stood up in late 2008. All Class IX repair parts have beenconsolidated at Taji National Supply Depot. He stated that MNSTC-I was assisting in119