DLA Research & Development's Military Unique Sustainment Technology program is an industrial preparedness manufacturing technology program. In its previous phase, MUST II established a "knowledge-based approach" to improve collaboration on the development and acquisition of combat uniforms and individual equipment. Building on this success, MUST III will focus on enhancing manufacturing capabilities and connecting DLA and the military services to the industrial base. This new phase will drive innovation through digital manufacturing, data interoperability, and strengthening the resilience of the domestic clothing and textiles supply chain.
Innovation & Technology
- Develop technology solutions relevant to C&T supply chain technical data management.
- Pioneering advanced manufacturing like 3D knitting and robotics.
- Developing deployable, point-of-need manufacturing systems.
- Integrating novel materials for enhanced performance and protection.
- Modernizing domestic manufacturing and supply chain capabilities.
- Enhancing supply chain visibility from raw materials to end-user.
Strategic Thrusts
- Digital as an Authoritative Source
- Supply Chain Resilience in Clothing and Individual Equipment
- Innovation in Clothing and Individual Equipment
Program Challenge
The domestic industrial base for military clothing and textiles is a specialized and resilient ecosystem, uniquely positioned to support the needs of the warfighter. The Berry Amendment, which mandates domestic sourcing for Department of War acquisitions, ensures a dedicated and secure U.S. manufacturing capability, insulating it from the volatility of the global market. This focused approach allows for the development of highly specialized, high-performance materials and products tailored to the exacting specifications of military use. The close relationship between the Department of War and the domestic industrial base fosters a collaborative environment for innovation, ensuring that American service members are equipped with the most advanced and reliable clothing and textiles. This dedicated partnership guarantees a secure and responsive supply chain, a critical component of national security and technological superiority.
Benefits
- Strengthens the resilience and responsiveness of the domestic industrial base.
- Accelerates the development and fielding of superior equipment to the warfighter.
- Increases manufacturing agility to better respond to surge and crisis scenarios.
- Drives modernization through digital transformation and advanced manufacturing.
Partners
- DLA Troop Support Clothing & Textiles
- U.S. Marines
- U.S. Army
- U.S. Air Force
- U.S. Coast Guard
- U.S. Navy
- Industries and Test Lab
Accomplishments & Ongoing Efforts
- Successful working prototype and functional requirements document
- Stakeholders' testing and validation
- Initiating vendor roll out for final transition
- Implementation scheduled and budgeted for FY25
- Converted >50% of relevant C&T documents to ISO Level 3/4 as the foundation of the digital model library