The Application of Radio Frequency Identification Technology to Overcome Three Common Aerial Port Challenges: a Concept

Operation DESERT STORM saw the logistical movement of the equivalent of the entire city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma from the United States to Saudi Arabia. While impressive in scope, there were many inefficiencies and limitations highlighted during this operation. One of the foremost limitations was in the area of cargo management and identification. The United States Army, perhaps the Air Force’s biggest customer, grew frustrated. It developed coping mechanisms to overcome these logistical challenges. Unfortunately, these coping mechanisms only added to the problem. Air Force aerial ports still face some of these same challenges, especially exacerbated by the current Global War on Terrorism. The average port faces three common challenges: cargo yard and warehouse management, paperwork, and cargo processing. Ports currently use Automatic Identification Technology in the form of bar code and Radio Frequency Identification systems to help overcome these challenges. There are specific characteristics of each of these forms of technology and strengths and weaknesses that make one better than the other for overcoming these challenges. Many civilian companies and other Department of Defense organizations have faced similar logistical challenges and have successfully applied Radio Frequency Identification technology towards solving these logistical challenges. The Air Force can learn from the success these organizations have earned from the effective implementation of Radio Frequency Identification technology. THE APPLICATION OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION TECHNOLOGY TO OVERCOME THREE COMMON AERIAL PORT CHALLENGES: A CONCEPT