Aerial porters help demonstrate new transportation concepts

Published July 30, 2007
By Maj. Chris Allen
U.S. Transportation Command

MCGUIRE AFB, N.J. -- Earlier this month, members of the 305th Aerial Port Squadron played a major role in helping U.S. Transportation Command assess Joint Modular Intermodal Distribution, or JMIDS, concepts. Through JMIDS, USTRANSCOM seeks greater efficiency in delivering cargo to the warfighter and to reduce the risks soldiers face on the road during conflict..

USTRANSCOM is the operational manager for the congressionally approved $36 million Department of Defense JMIDS Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration. The 305th APS helped demonstrate successfully that a modular intermodal platform with cargo can be loaded onto an aircraft at a built up air base, fly to an austere airstrip, and be unloaded by a prototype tactical truck. This means cargo can go directly to the point of employment without the need for onsite material handling equipment. Intermodal means cargo can be shipped by air, land or sea. The use of the intermodal platforms also eliminates the need for cargo pallets.

Master Sgt. Dan Borchelt, 305th APS, directed the preparation and loading of eight cargo containers onto a Joint Modular Intermodal Platform for transport on a KC-130 from the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 452, Newburgh, N.Y. The KC-130 flew more than 7 hours across the country to deliver the load to the U.S. Army National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif.

Upon landing, soldiers at the training center loaded the components from the aircraft onto the prototype tactical vehicle, then delivered the supplies directly to where they were needed.

The soldiers working with the JMIDS components said the system improved efficiency, and expanded capability by reducing the use of platforms and trucks. That means fewer soldiers on the road exposed to extreme risk in the battle space.