GCSS-Army is the Army’s one-stop logistics system that offers commanders equipment readiness and financial data. The system integrates and consolidates Army legacy systems into a modern, user friendly single web based system that can be accessed from anywhere with Internet access.
Unlike previous systems, GCSS-Army does not require reconciliations for all open requisitions (PRs). The new system provides daily equipment readiness in the BI/BW and funds status reports showing commitments, obligations, and disbursements. The report also displays budget (allotment and annual funding plan) expenses and available budget to get a complete picture of the fund status.
The Army is expecting $11.8 billion in benefits from the GCSS-Army program, including reduced costs, improved efficiencies and enhanced productivity. Although a transition to a new system of this magnitude will cause some discomfort for sustainment personnel, the Army is using change management, training, lessons learned, and full-service help desk programs to minimize disruptions. In the end, the new GCSS-Army will improve the ability of tactical commanders to make logistical decisions. The current system can operate offline for up to seven days, which allows units to continue operations with a paper process while the system is down.
What Does GCSS Stand For in the Military?
The Global Combat Support System-Army is the Army’s new information system to manage supply, maintenance, and property accountability. It is being fielded in two waves. The first wave is currently running in warehouses and field maintenance activities, and will improve every command supply room, motor pool, unit supply office and property book office worldwide. The second wave will begin fielding in January 2015, and will also improve all Army units that manage maintenance and property accountability functions. The GCSS-Army system will replace the current Property Book Unit Supply Enhanced (PBUSE) system and the Standard Army Maintenance System Installation Enhanced (SAMS-E).
The GCSS-Army is being integrated with other military logistics systems in order to achieve full financial auditability, unprecedented asset visibility and improved planning, programming and budgeting. GCSS-Army will also be connected to the General Fund Enterprise Business System financial solution, creating a federated approach to accounting.
In addition, the GCSS-Army training program is designed to ensure that all users have the necessary knowledge and skills to use the system effectively. It consists of the GCSS Core and Business Area Specific courses. Students must complete the Core Courses to gain a foundational level of understanding and then move to the Business Area specific courses in order to become proficient in their area of operation.
How Does GCSS Work?
The GCSS-Army is an information system that replaces legacy systems used to support logistics functions at Army tactical units, including tracking supplies and spare parts, maintaining accountability of organizational equipment, and monitoring unit maintenance. The new information system will also allow for more accurate and efficient tracking of budgets, funds and disbursements.
The Army expects the GCSS-Army to improve supply, maintenance and property accountability and save $12 billion through 2027. However, it is difficult to use in some operational situations and does not work when disconnected from the Army’s network. Soldiers GAO interviewed said that a lack of adequate and career-specific training hinders their ability to use the system.
The Army has been slowly implementing the system into institutional education for logistics students, including at the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course and Quartermaster Basic Officer Leader Course. The Army is also incorporating the GCSS-Army into logistics intern education. In addition, the Army has developed a new GCSS-Army leader familiarization course for future logistics leaders that will help them prepare for the responsibilities and challenges of using GCSS-Army.