IMPLEMENTATION OF RFID TO IMPROVE ACCOUNTABILITY IN DISTRIBUTED MARITIME OPERATIONS AND EABO

This study examines the possibility of implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to improve inventory control within the Marine Corps' Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) construct. The lack of inventory control in austere environments and isolated operations reduces the Marine Corps' ability to train, man, and equip the operating forces. The study focuses on the technology's applicability to maritime operations, resource management, and implementation within EABO. The costs and benefits of using RFID in amphibious operations and the littorals will be analyzed with special attention given to accountability and electromagnetic (EM) signature. By-hand accountability is labor- and time-intensive. Implementing RFID technology can reduce man-hours spent tracking equipment and save hundreds of hours on asset visibility. The study shows that implementing RFID technology in the Marine Corps' EABO construct can improve resource management, reduce manpower hours, and save costs due to the ease of understanding and implementation of this technology. This study demonstrates that projected improvements from RFID technology in the DOD may be overly conservative and that decision-makers should consider the actual outcomes from previous case studies when assessing the potential benefits of implementing RFID technology.Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.Captain, United States Marine CorpsCaptain, United States Marine Corp