Military reservists already contribute to the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support mission to support the warfighter. And the director of DLA’s Joint Reserve Force wants to know how they can do more.
Navy Rear Adm. Deborah Haven returned to her hometown of Philadelphia March 23 to discuss the role of reservists with DLA Troop Support leaders.
Reservists from each of the services work regularly with Troop Support’s five supply chains as part of their annual duty and training requirements. Haven said she wanted to explore where reservists can add value and learn what skills are needed.
She suggested that reservists could help Troop Support as it provides materials for military training exercises.
“Increase exercise engagement is a way to flex our reserve muscle,” she said.
Army Brig. Gen. Charles Hamilton, Troop Support commander, liked the idea and said he appreciates the contributions reservists make.
“I can’t tell the difference between the active duty and reservists working here,” he said. “It shows the level of work that our reservists put in.”
Reservists working in the Industrial Hardware supply chain expedited 360 contracts so far in fiscal 2017. They also help maintain relationships with suppliers.
“It makes a difference when a vendor gets a call from someone in the military,” Air Force Col. Glenn Chadwick, IH director, said.
Reservists also play a role in the Medical supply chain’s annual mission to provide flu vaccinations for service members and their families. They help safeguard the cold chain so vaccines are transported at the appropriate temperature.
“Reservists are critical to supply the flu vaccine,” Army Col. Alex Zotomayor, Medical supply chain director, said.
Troop Support was the last stop as Haven visited each of DLA’s six primary level field activities since assuming command of the Joint Reserve Forces in October.