FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Volunteers are needed to fill deputy commander, operations officer and support team roles for three Defense Logistics Agency Rapid Deployment Teams that will deploy on short notice to assist military and federal agencies during international emergencies and contingencies.
Volunteers will serve for one year and must have a broad knowledge of DLA, said Sabrina Viruet, DLA Logistics Operations deputy of deployment support.
Deputy commanders are in GS-14 positions who provide leadership and guidance to RDT members in the commander’s absence. Operations officers are GS-13s who ensure daily logistics support is provided where it’s needed and serve as the main contact for deployed units.
DLA Logistics Operations is recruiting agencywide within the continental U.S. for the 13-member teams, which also include subject matter experts from DLA major subordinate commands and expeditionary contracting officers as well as information technology and legal experts.
“They get to learn about DLA as a whole and the partners we support; not just military, but the whole of government partners they’re supporting in some of these disasters and missions,” Viruet said.
The supply chain experts, who range from GS-9s to GS-12s, bring their knowledge to support customers and help them understand DLA’s capabilities, she said.
“They’re also keeping leadership apprised of any requirements or issues out in the field because they’re on the ground with the customer,” she added.
In previous years, RDTs have deployed to support missions such as hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and training exercises in the Pacific. Although last year’s RDT activation to support the Defense Department’s nationwide COVID-19 response was virtual, Viruet said teams will train and deploy in person for 2022 missions.
Current recruitment efforts are focused on the deputy commander and operations officer positions.
“[Volunteers] need to highlight their knowledge of DLA and leadership experience, especially if they have any experience in crisis or contingency operations – that’s really what we’re going to look for in the resume,” she said.
After obtaining supervisory approval, RDT members will receive deployment training and equipment at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. Two 2021 training sessions are scheduled for October 18-26 and November 15-23.
Employees interested in serving on an RDT should contact Viruet at sabrina.viruet@dla.mil or 571-363-8919. They can also view the June 17 DLA operation order for more information (A Common Access Card is required to view).