| The Department of Defense (DoD) continues to play a large role in supply chain management during humanitarian aid efforts. However, deficient management in DoD's humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations is a growing problem. The DoD currently uses outdated methods and tools and lacks complexity in project execution. If left unresolved, valuable time, resources, and lives could be lost. Hence, the purpose of this study was to investigate how supply chain management theory could be applied to the DoD's HADR procedures. The study utilized qualitative research with survey methodology. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling and advertised through social media. The sample included 16 DoD officials of all ages, gender, race, and rank. However, the researcher restricted participation to subjects who had worked in the supply chain management / logistics field for the DoD, regardless of service component or agency, within the past five years.;This study found that supply chain management should be part of the DoD's HADR operations plan. Findings included, establishing units dedicated to the HADR mission, dedicated prepositioned supply points, inter-agency communications at the lowest level possible, and integrating the supply chain management theory into the overall HADR strategic plan. Implementing the recommendations of this study will aid the DoD in developing standard operating procedures for future disaster responses, increase operational efficiency, and decrease the response time to the event. This will also, undoubtedly save lives and money. |
