Military supply chain tracking system both inefficient and dangerous.

• Author: Giermanski, James R.
• Position: VIEWPOINT

* There is little doubt that the United States has the finest, most modern military in the world. Even its supply chain is great, and the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology it employs is modern and efficient when used in warehouse management. Military logistics regulations are detailed, comprehensive, effective--and above all else--followed.

Yet, this great system of technology and regulations falls apart because the Defense Department uses RFID systems to control and monitor its global container movement. The application of this technology to track cargo overseas is inefficient, dangerous and fundamentally flawed.

The military regulation governing the overall supply chain includes 308 pages, 17 appendices, 73 references to U.S. code, directives, instructions, other regulations and standards, with 173 acronyms. It is a major document describing almost every aspect of the military supply chain.

Radio frequency identification is specifically recommended in these regulations, and for most applications, it's a good choice. However, while RFID is appropriate in controlled environments, it is absolutely inappropriate for the global environment.

Several reasons account for that weakness: disparate frequencies worldwide; disparate communication protocols; its land-based character and accompanying costs for access and maintenance of the infrastructure needed; and its security vulnerabilities.

RFID technology requires airwaves to communicate. However, the frequencies used vary in different regions of the world. For instance, the RFID frequency used for container tags or devices in China will not work in the United States. The Federal Communications Commission has decided which frequency must be used in the United States and despite protest, issued a final rule in 2004 that only the 433.5 to 434.5 MHz portion of the spectrum band can be used for commercial shipping containers.

Additionally, the FCC's rule allowed these RFID systems to transmit for a rather long 60 seconds. Any RFID transponder attached to a shipping container--including those of the Defense Department--must use the frequency upon arrival at a US. port. The transponder reacts to a triggering radio frequency message from a transceiver used within U.S. port facilities or at other locations. Customs and Border Protection, the military or the port facility can employ that transceiver. It sends the triggering frequency to produce a return transmission of pre-loaded data to the...