PHILADELPHIA –
The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support Academy took place from November 2 to 3, 2022, in Philadelphia.
More than forty DLA employees from across the globe—some even hailing from regional offices in Japan, Guam, Germany and Hawaii—participated in this 2-day, DLA Command Support office led, employee orientation event.
This year marked the first in-person Troop Support Academy since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. At this event, employees from different cross sections, sectors and regions came together to experience a brief overview of DLA Troop Support while also inviting such employees the opportunity to see how Troop Support fits into the big picture.
"If you leave here remembering nothing else, I urge you to remember this," said Kishayra Lambert, DLA Troop Support deputy commander. "There are thousands upon thousands of men and women serving our nation in locations throughout the world in our Armed Forces who absolutely rely on you for the things they need to stay fed, outfitted, protected, sheltered and healthy."
Each supply chain in Troop Support was highlighted: Medical, Subsistence, Clothing & Textiles, and Construction & Equipment. Various other elements, to include the Product Test Center, Operations & Plans, Internal Review, and Procurement Process Support also gave attendees a snapshot of their functions.
"I learned a lot about the other supply chains to include my own," said Nick Gervasi, DLA contract specialist with the Medical supply chain. "It was all very informative."
Over the course of two days, the attendees heard from subject matter experts across Troop Support and even some who have moved onwards to different assignments. Each presenter echoed the importance of Troop Support's mission: to deliver optimal global supply chain solutions to enable ready, lethal Warfighters and our other valued partners.
"We're not just DLA or just the state entity who goes out there to buy stuff," said John Dwyer, supervisory management analyst, Command Support office. "The stuff we buy, how we buy and what we do matters."
Troop Support has vast influences on the experiences of warfighters. Various presenters pointed out the wide reach of Troop Support's processes.
"As Navy guy you don’t really think about how much DLA does or specifically what Troop Support does to support the Navy, day-in and day-out," said Capt. Tim Griffin, Subsistence supply chain director. "But when you sit and think about it, Troop Support has a hand in almost everything the Navy does from the uniforms we wear to the meals we eat, the medical care we receive, and the support Construction &Equipment provides. Everything this command does supports the Navy and DoD mission 24/7."
At the conclusion of the 2022 fiscal year, Troop Support achieved $19.2 billion in sales alone and the relatively new employees—some of whom are from different DLA commands—who engaged with Troop Support during this event represent the DLA’s commitment for much more work to be done in the greater DLA mission.