Total Quality Management in an Army Truck Battalion

This study investigates the applicability of Total Quality Management TQM to highway operations functions in a truck battalion. Although the Armys senior leadership has embraced the use of TQM, it has been used primarily at the installation level and in acquisition and health services management functions, with little integration at the tactical level. The study begins with a description of TQM and its benefits. The research uses case study methodology to determine the effectiveness of a Process Action Team PAT in solving operational problems taken from an Army truck battalion. During a simulated PAT, Command and General Staff College students role-played battalion positions and developed recommendations to improve the battalions operations. The recommendations were then assessed for feasibility by a separate panel of officers with experience in the case battalion. The research indicates the use of PATs may be an effective way to solve systemic problems and improve the quality of operations in a battalion.