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Air Force supply chain drives fiscal year closeout success

  • Published
  • By 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron

“The end-of-year procedure is essential for ensuring mission readiness by accurately accounting for the past year's financial activities,” said Lt. Col. Garrett Canter, 435th Supply Chain Operations Squadron commander. “Our efforts support the Air Force's role in maintaining a competitive advantage across the entire defense landscape.”

The General Support Division and Internal Controls Flight of the 435th SCOS are integral to this end-of-year process, which impacts 254 logistics supply locations worldwide.

“Their teams work diligently to ensure a seamless transition into the new fiscal year,” Canter explained. “This involves not only meticulous planning and execution with every step, but also overseeing the closure of base supply accounts while projecting them for the new year.”

The General Support Division manages a $3.7 billion operating budget designed to meet consumable part needs for over 230 Air Force and Space Force locations globally. The team also closely monitors stock fund accounts.

“After supply locations complete their processing, they notify us, and we perform a final review to address any remaining customer requirements,” Canter said. “Our goal is to ensure the effective use of remaining Stock Fund Authority at each base.”

Months before the end-of-year event, the Internal Controls Flight initiates contact with each base to identify key points of contact, host virtual meetings and conduct any required training.

“Preparation is critical and ensures that all supply accounts and representatives are ready for the process,” he noted. “In the final days leading up to the closeout, we act as a command and control center, coordinating with base customers, 437th SCOS personnel, and the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Gunter Annex. After the new fiscal year begins, we gather feedback from each base and the 635th Supply Chain Operations Wing to identify areas for improvement.”

Thanks to these efforts, end-of-year supply system downtime has decreased by 73% over the past five years, dropping from 33 to just nine minutes.

“This significant reduction minimizes the impact on the Air Force's mission,” Canter said. “The collaboration between the General Support Division and Internal Controls Flights demonstrates our efficiency and dedication to managing resources and ensuring mission readiness.”

A smooth transition from one fiscal year to the next is vital for maintaining mission readiness and competing effectively in the era of Great Power Competition.

“By reducing downtime and ensuring accurate base supply account closures, the Air Force can efficiently allocate resources, adapt to changing operational needs, and maintain its technological edge,” Canter emphasized. “Effective end-of-year processes support ongoing campaigning and foster enduring advantages across the defense ecosystem. Accurate financial accounting helps us allocate resources effectively, contributing to the development and deployment of advanced technologies necessary to stay ahead of Great Power Competition adversaries, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Overall, the end-of-year process plays a crucial role in supporting campaigning, building long-term defense advantages, and enhancing mission readiness.

“Through the combined efforts of the General Support Division and Internal Controls Flight teams, we can optimize resource use, improve supply chain operations, and sustain our technological superiority,” Canter concluded.