| USSVI Veterans News
Posting Date: 4 february 2004 From: John Dudas Subject: Combined Exchange Service Memo Department of Defense has issued a memorandum for all services to combine their Exchange Service into one combined Exchange Service The process of integrating the three Exchange services into one organization began with the Deputy Secretary's decision memorandum in May 2003. The implementation planning process will consume most of 2004, yielding a detailed integration plan for delivery to Congress in early 2005. The following summarizes schedule highlights. o June - December 2003. Preparatory work by the Defense Department Task Force, contractors, consultants, and Program Management Office. o January - June 2004. Work teams develop a high-level plan based on key functions of Exchange management. o July - December 2004. Continued planning focused on process integration and operating strategies results in detailed draft integration plan. o January 2005. The draft implementation plan is sent to DepSecDef and then reviewed by the Congress with pre-coordinated legislative. o March-April 2005. The Congress conducts hearings that include Exchange Integration within the context of other total force issues. o April - June 2005. The Department of Defense responds to congressional inquiry and makes necessary modifications to the draft implementation plan. o June 2005. Final implementation plan presented to DepSecSef for his approval and formal transmittal to the Congress. o July - December 2005. The plan proceeds through a full legislative cycle, moving towards final approval. The website for following this process
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