3-97. The Army segment of the distribution system is referred to as theater distribution. Theater distribution is the flow of personnel, equipment, and materiel within theater to meet the GCC’s missions (JP 4-09). The theater segment extends from the ports of debarkation or source of supply (in theater) to the points of need. Distribution management synchronizes and optimizes transportation, its networks, and materiel management with the warfighting functions to move personnel and materiel from origins to the point of need in accordance with the supported commander's priorities. Distribution management includes the management of transportation and movement control, warehousing, inventory control, order administration, site and location analysis, packaging, data processing, accountability for equipment (materiel management), people, and communications. See ATP 4-0.1, Army Theater Distribution, for additional information on distribution and distribution management.