FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency employees have the opportunity to deploy worldwide to help the agency serve warfighters and meet its mission.
The Rapid Deployment Team is now seeking volunteers for 2026, said RDT manager David Bowman.
There are three rotating teams with 13 members each and an additional team that fills positions when a primary team member is unavailable. Each team consists of one service member at the colonel or captain level and 12 positions that are a mix of civilian and military personnel.
Teams deploy anywhere they are needed for 45 to 90 days, with as little as little as 72 hours’ notice.
RDTs are activated when the agency receives a request to provide humanitarian relief and assistance for natural disasters and medical emergencies, and in support of military missions. Since 2019, RDTs have been activated to assist with the COVID-19 response, as well as to Afghanistan, Ukraine and Sudan, Bowman said.
All volunteers attend the civilian expeditionary workforce training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, for nine days, said Calvin Collosi, deployment specialist and force provider for DLA. They are issued DLA computers, personal protective gear and uniforms, receive emergency medical training and participate in field exercises during this training.
In addition, volunteers learn about the entire agency from DLA subject matter experts and staff. They are also placed in a scenario in which they learn how to function together as a team.
Last year’s training was set around a hurricane that hit the United States, Collosi said. Volunteers went through different scenarios involving issues with fuel, clothing and medical supplies. The team had to figure out how to work with all of DLA’s major subordinate commands and give daily briefings to the DLA director and Agency Synchronization Operations Center.
RDT volunteers aren’t trained for a new job but in how to perform their jobs in austere conditions or in a war zone while wearing protective gear, Bowman said. There are specific RDT positions for food, fuel and construction materials specialists, as well as customer account and information technology specialists.
“There are specified duties within the RDT because you want those specialists or subject matter experts deploying so they can support and have reach-back support to DLA in those specific areas,” Bowman said.
There is no age limit for volunteers, but they must pass a physical and have dental and eye exams and blood work, he added. Volunteers also must be physically able to complete the training exercises.
Certain medical conditions may prevent an employee from being able to volunteer for the RDT, Bowman said. These conditions include taking refrigerated medications like insulin or weight loss injections, optical implants, weight exceeding 300 pounds, or a heart attack within one year of deployment. Those with a previous cancer diagnosis must have proof of remission for at least one year prior to a waiver consideration.
Volunteers also need approval from their supervisors to participate.
In addition to monetary and time-off awards, testing one’s mettle may be the biggest benefit of all, Bowman said.
“When you get out in these conditions, it tests you,” Bowman said. “You are battle tested whether it’s during a hurricane or in a war-torn area. You’re a part of the fight, and being part of the fight can be a benefit. It shows that you can do the job under any condition.
“Shouldn’t you want to test your limits?”
DLA Headquarters employees interested in opportunities with the RDT can email DEPOPS@dla.mil. Volunteers with questions about medical disqualifications or other concerns can email David Bowman at David.bowman@dla.mil. MSC employees should contact their respective force provider. Applications will be accepted until all 39 positions are filled.