In today’s post, we are going to discover some of the main points that you should know about TC-AIMS II (Transportation Coordinators’ – Automated Information for Movement Systems II). This is the automated system used to manage the complete movement and deployments of Army units, along with other branches of the United States military.
TC-AIMS: What You Should Know
The first thing that I will mention is: the system is not perfect, but the software manufactures (of the system) work day and night to update and improve the system.
A Brief History of TC-AIMS II
It was during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm conflicts that the Department of Defense recognized a need for a transportation system that could integrate all branches in an overall system. Automated Movement & Identification Solutions (PD AMIS) was contracted to develop a system that could control and manage an extensive network of military movements and deployments. Through trial and error, and performing test after test, TC-AIMS II was instituted.
This system is updated often as “bugs” and other needs are discovered, but facts are facts, and it is evident that the TC-AIMS II system has created a faster, and more competent movement system for the United States Army.
TC-AIMS II Primary Structure
TC-AIMS II is designed with 4 basic functions. Those functions are:
Management of assets
Planning movements
Coordinating movements
Executing movements
Asset Management
Units are capable of inputting needed data such as equipment, supplies, personnel records, and much more. The Unit Movement Officer can also use this to create reports.
Movement Planning
The system allows the input of all movement requirements, and the user can analyze those requirements to create a customized movement plan.
Movement Coordination
This system allows the user the benefit of coordinating movement on land, sea and in the air with complete control of passengers and freight. Priorities can be set as to what arrives first so that equipment will be delivered in an orderly fashion according to needs.
Movement Execution
TC-AIMS II provides a complete movement tracking system using Google Earth and other sophisticated applications. If a certain shipment needs to have a faster delivery, the user can control that right through this superior software.
Primary Users of TC-AIMS II
While there will be many commanders and others who are viewing the movement of any unit, the primary users will be Unit Movement Officers, or at Brigade level, the user would be the Brigade Movement Coordinator. Using TC-AIMS II, these user’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:
The creation, management and updates of information databases. These will include personnel, equipment and movement information.
The planning of simple movements such as field exercises.
Develop typical movement plans. An example may be that generator A goes on trailer X.
Develop emergency deployment plans.
Managing and executing movements and deployments.
These responsibilities would be for a Company Unit Movement Officer. The responsibilities grow with the Battalion Unit Movement Officer where he/she would have to consolidate all the company movement plans, and complete audits to guarantee Company UMOs have entered accurate information.
The Brigade Movement Coordinator takes all of the above responsibilities and using TC-AIMS II, he/she is the middle person or liaison so to speak, between the Unit Movement Officers and all others who will be involved in the movement, namely the ITO if the movement is in the United States and the MCT if the movement is to be outside the U.S.
Better Control
It is quite evident that the Army has better control over movements. I have often read where in Vietnam the Soldiers were in need of MREs and would receive a supply of socks. Over the years, movements and deployments had many moments of chaos and confusion. TC-AIMS II was developed to minimize the issues that would arise from movements.
The software developers provide extensive training where all bases are covered allowing users a complete understanding of this software. To register on the link I just supplied, you must be a member of the United States military, a Department of Defense employee or a Department of Defense contractor.
As studies and tests are completed, TC-AIMS II should have the capabilities of integrating all branches of the United States military into a smooth movement system where every branch can help the other.
A Simple Opinion
With this complete article and the research I performed, I am completely impressed with TC-AIMS II, but I am also somewhat concerned. My question is: “What happens if the system fails?” It is my hope that our Soldiers are being trained in how to perform everything TC-AIMS II does manually. Relying on electronics can be a dangerous game.
Final Words
I would love to hear your opinions on TC-AIMS II and the movement system of the United States Army. If you have been, or are a UMO or involved with deployments and movements, please provide your experiences with TC-AIMS II. What are the pros and cons? Thank you.
Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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