PHILADELPHIA –
The leadership team from U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command learned more about how the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support helps the command ensure soldiers’ medical readiness.
Army Maj. Gen. Barbara Holcomb, USAMRC commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. David Rogers visited DLA Troop Support in Philadelphia March 16. Holcomb is also the chief of the Army Nursing Corps and commander of Fort Detrick, Maryland.
“We’re excited Major General Holcomb and Command Sergeant Major Rogers were able to learn about Troop Support and how we support their mission,” Army Brig. Gen. Mark Simerly, DLA Troop Support commander, said. “We see this dialogue as an opportunity to strengthen our partnership through increased understanding and collaboration and focus on improving Army medical readiness and ability to win.”
USAMRMC is the Army’s medical materiel developer and is responsible for medical research, development, and acquisition and medical logistics management. Headquartered at Fort Detrick, the command helps ensure service members stay in good health and are equipped to prevent diseases and injuries.
“We really wanted the opportunity to visit DLA Troop Support and were excited when Brigadier General Simerly was kind enough to invite us,” Holcomb said. “This visit was a good learning opportunity to understand the interface of DLA Troop Support and how we can work better together on the medical side.”
The Medical supply chain works with the command to ensure soldiers around the world receive the medical supplies, vaccines and protective equipment they need.
“This visit was important given USAMRMC’s role as the Army’s medical materiel developer,” David Johns, Medical supply chain deputy director, said. “USAMRMC plays an instrumental role in both institutional and contingency support to the warfighter.”
The visit fostered open dialogue on issues, processes and future operational requirements.
“It’s critical that the Army understands DLA’s role as the executive agent for medical materiel and the support that DLA provides,” Johns said. “At the same time, it’s just as important that Troop Support Medical personnel understand the Army’s priorities and approach to life cycle logistics for medical equipment, supplies and pharmaceuticals.”
As part of their visit, Holcomb and Rogers also visited the DLA Troop Support flag room, where the presidential and vice presidential flags are hand embroidered and military flags are made.