FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
More than 300 Defense Logistics Agency Energy employees filled the DLA Headquarters auditorium during an All Hands June 5.
Among updates on recent events and operations, DLA Energy Commander Navy Capt. Brian Anderson largely focused the All Hands on a discussion about human capital, deployment opportunities, and culture climate.
“Our human capital strategy has to be our number 1, number 2 and number 3 priority,” Anderson said. “DLA Energy only survives with the people we have, who we retain and who we onboard.”
The strategy’s three main tenants are recruiting, developing and outlining a road map for employees who want to grow in their careers. Anderson said the agency must do a better of job of helping employees chart a path for their professional future.
“Whether you’re an intern, joining the team as a GS-12, want to be a GS-15, SES or a supervisor, are we helping you get there?” Anderson asked. “Have we identified a road map on where you need to go?”
He encouraged the audience to get involved in the process and share their perspectives to ensure the strategy meets their needs.
“Success starts from the bottom up. This is your opportunity. Please, be part of the solution,” he said. “You can be passive and live with the result, or you can be active and be part of the result.”
He went on to discuss the deployment opportunities available across the global agency. He invited two DLA Energy employees who are currently on deployment in Germany with DLA Europe & Africa to speak to the audience during a video conference.
Adrian Hines, who previously served as the DLA Energy training officer, is deployed as the Headquarters Staff Officer working with all of DLA major subordinate commands who have deployed employees in the DLA Europe & Africa region. She ensures the employees arrive and depart to and from deployed locations.
“This deployment has given me the opportunity to broaden my career and operational experience and engage directly with DLA Europe & Africa commander and leadership during weekly briefings and meetings,” Hines said.
Samantha Kimble, a contracting officer and previous acting deputy for the DLA Energy Commander’s Action Group at headquarters, is working as the battle captain in the Agency Regional Synchronization Operations Center. She is helping to integrate and synchronize efforts across the regional combatant commands, the service components in theater, and DLA major subordinate units.
“As someone who has worked in Energy for 15 years, having the opportunity to see what DLA is doing from the regional level and being able to work with all of the MSCs has been a very eye-opening experience,” Kimble said.
Anderson urged the audience to consider a deployment to expand their horizons and learn more about how to best support the warfighter.
“You’ve got to be curious. If you’re not curious and questioning each day, you have to wonder if you’re in the right job,” Anderson said.
During the event, Anderson also congratulated employees for earning recent awards, recognized incoming and outgoing employees, and highlighted upcoming leadership changes in regional offices.
This is Anderson’s last All Hands as the DLA Energy commander. On June 21, he will relinquish command to Navy Rear Adm. George Bresnihan during a change of command ceremony.
“It has been my absolute pleasure to be the commander of Energy. I have loved this tour. I’m going to miss this job and the people,” he said.