Eliminating Functional Stovepipes

<p>Originally the Air Force's Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) was organized to bring components of base-level logistics processes together under cross-functional process owners. Four years after the Air Force implemented that concept however the LRS has evolved into a collection of functional stove-pipes. Many organizational theories point to the benefits of a process-oriented organization. By grouping together the functions that contribute to a particular process workers are not constrained by organizational boundaries problems are more readily solved and managers gain better situational awareness of their process' performance. Process-alignment is not a new concept for US military logistics organizations. Prior to the 20th century many logistics units were process-oriented. The increased complexity of technology led military organizers to align logistics units by function so that each function could most effectively manage its particular resources. Experiences from World War II through Operation DESERT STORM demonstrated the continuing need for process-owners overseeing all of the functions that contribute to their process. By aligning the squadron structure along the processes it conducts--deployment materiel distribution fuels distribution base sustainment and squadron support--the LRS can maximize the productivity of its personnel and provide more effective logistics support to Air Force wings.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>