Standard operating procedures for transporting unit equipment and gear is consolidated successively at the Platoon/Flight through Divisions/Group level for deployment and redeployment in MILVANs; however, no system for secondary containers. This is a costly oversight taking into consideration resources, processes, procedures, and design considerations to ensure all system equipment and support items are accounted for. To fill this void units use cardboard boxes designed for industry and not to military specifications. This process results in trucks and shipping containers not filled to capacity wasting OPTEMPO dollars in additional transportation costs, equipment damage, and the loss of accountability generating numerous FLIPLS (Financial Liabilities Investigation of Property Losses)
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The solution to this oversight is currently supported by the Defense Logistics Agency, used by Active Component and is transitioning to the Army/Air National Guard. This proven secondary container is made of rugged and nearly indestructible plastic. It is a portable all-mode, air droppable container built to withstand the toughest environments. The capabilities of this secondary container are: modular; lightweight; 5:1 collapsibility ratio; extremely durable; all-weather protection; can be top loaded or with a forklift; 6,000-pound corner straps that lock contents together; available in multiple interlocking sizes and stacked in variable combinations to maximize space; and improves Asset In Transit Visibility.