BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
David Tran, DLA Disposition Services U.S. Army Reserves/Chief, Support Operations
Can you tell us about yourself? I’m a Logistics Officer at DLA DSU-2 in Anniston, AL and a Property Disposal Specialist in my civilian career with GSA in Atlanta, GA. I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, but relocated and have been in metro-Atlanta since 2014.
Describe your job in a sentence or two. What do you do specifically? I manage the intelligence, operations, and logistic staff functions within the directorate.
How long have you worked for the federal government including military service? 21 years in the military and 12 years as federal civilian).
How long have you worked for DLA Disposition Services? Since March 2019.
What aspect(s) of your current job gives you the most personal satisfaction and why? Reutilization, Transfer, Donation (RTD) of the disposal process because of the dual benefits of potentially meeting customers’ requirements while simultaneously being fiscally responsible, tax stewards.
What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? Dress for the job you want. Not for the one you have.
What kind(s) of training and education helps your work performance in your current role? As a service member in Disposition Services, having demilitarization and Airborne Early Warning & Control training is mandatory. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend them at Battle Creek during the lockdown, but I found an alternative solution. Completing the Army’s Logistics Captains Career Course and my MBA at Georgia Tech helps me perform as a leader and staff member.
What would you say has been your major contributions to your organization this year in your job? Assisted the Directorate in improving all aspects of their operational metrics.
If you could speak directly to the warfighters you support, what would you tell them? Please don’t speed in our yard. Our Operations Supervisor has enough issues.
Where do you see yourself five years from now? In my civilian career, I expect to be in a managerial position within the federal government. For my military career, I will become a major and completing a staff officer assignment.
Tell us something that most people might not know about you or your directorate? DSD-Central is the most challenging Directorate to work for, but provides the most personal and professional growth.
What is your best memory of working here? Assisted in ending the Disposition Services mission in Afghanistan and bringing all our civilians home safely.
What was your first job? Concession at a movie theater.
Who’s your biggest influence? People taller than 5’2. They bring out the Napoleon Complex in me.
Name your favorite/recent book(s) you have read. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
What are some of your passions outside of work? Food.
What is your favorite quote? “A man who doesn’t spend time with his family can never be a real man.”
What did you want to be when you grew up? Taller.
Who is your hero? Rocky Balboa.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Forgiving the student loan debt of every American.
What’s the most thrilling/adventurous thing you have ever done? Live in the jungles of Vietnam.
Employee spotlight regularly features employees throughout the Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services and other DLA organizations located at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. Organizational directors may submit feature request to DLA Disposition Services Public Affairs.