The Army Stock Fund--Friend or Foe

The study examines whether or not the current method of operating the Wholesale Stock Fund System at the National Inventory Control Points NICP impacts on the Armys operational readiness and stock availability. The growing emphasis on unit readiness and the inability of the Wholesale Supply System to meet its goal of 85 stock availability indicates that a close evaluation of the system is required. Various independent studies as well as a GAO report to Congress indicate that the current method of operating the Wholesale Stock Fund does degrade stock availability, creates poor management practices and impacts on unit readiness. A possible alternate method of operating the Wholesale Stock Fund System is discussed.