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News | April 4, 2017

Distribution commanders and directors summit focuses on developing Campaign Plan, future strategy

By Emily Tsambiras DLA Distribution Public Affairs

From March 20-24, commanders and directors from DLA Distribution’s 26 global distribution centers came together to discuss how the organization will set a plan to carry itself into the future as a strategic national security asset, available whenever called upon by the Department of Defense.

DLA Distribution commanding general Army Brig. Gen. John Laskodi kicked off the week describing how the group would be “thinking outside the box” during the week.  The group then began a discussion on the seminar’s suggested reading, “How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins, which questions whether organizational failure can be detected and/or avoided.

In response to the reading, the group determined that it is essential for DLA Distribution to focus on its core competencies and continue to look at its portfolio and make wise decisions.  In turn, this type of tactical thinking may drive down costs, saving money for the organization and, ultimately, its customers. 

The discussion led into the ongoing topic of developing the proper lines of effort to ensure DLA Distribution sustains DoD's Distribution network as a strategic national asset for the future.  Currently, the organization is in the process of developing a Campaign Plan, nested with the DLA Director’s Strategic Plan.  The Campaign Plan essentially outlines where DLA Distribution plans to focus its efforts over the next 13 years in order to support the future requirements of the warfighter and based on the future joint operating and logistics environment.

The second day of the seminar was comprised of a logistics staff ride to the Antietam Battlefield.  Based on the idea that the future is shaped by the lessons of the past, the group toured the historic site, listening to the challenges and successes produced from the bloodiest one-day battle in American history, as dictated by tour guide Col. Pete Crean, director for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center and former DLA Energy Chief of Staff.  

The week was not all serious discussion, however.  On the third day, the team assembled for an early morning PT session of dodgeball, during which the leadership divided into “East Coast” and “West Coast” teams.  Despite tight competition, the East Coast team came out on top.

The remainder of the week, the group tackled topics such as challenges posed by the hiring freeze, budget constraints, ongoing audits and limited resources.  Additionally, DLA Distribution Sexual Assault Response Coordinators A.J. Brandt and Esther Almas, representing the East and West coasts, respectively, as well Joe Yoswa, DLA Director of Public Affairs, gave presentations.