Improving Efficiencies with Mobile Computing Technology

In August 2010, the Secretary of Defense directed a department-wide study of efficiencies to save $100 billion over a five-year period. While the study targeted major reorganizations and personnel cuts, many unidentified initiatives still have the potential for significant savings. Once such initiative is the utilization of commercially available mobile computing technologies to streamline and decrease the cost of daily administrative practices. Today's tablet personal computers (PC) possess the functionality of traditional laptop and desktop devices as well as the capacity to serve as digital notepads. This permits hand written annotations on digital documents, which makes the need for printed paper almost obsolete. Furthermore, when coupled to wireless networks, tablet PCs enable seamless communication connectivity and instantaneous data retrieval. With an obligation to achieve a third of the Department's savings during this 5-year timeframe, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) must achieve efficiencies in all aspects of operations. Every year the service spends millions of dollars on paper and toner to print documents for dissemination and review. Incorporating a system of tablet PCs, wireless networks, and new administrative protocols will, however, help the USAF eliminate these expenses while assisting the DoD attain its $100 billion goal.