ALEXANDRIA, Va. –
Leaders from the Defense Department, industry and academia convened at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center June 17 to attend the first-ever 4D Workshop hosted by the Defense Logistics Agency. The theme for the event was “Unlocking the Power of Data to Improve Warfighter Readiness.” The workshop focused on the 4Ds of Digital Interoperability; Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence; Decision Advantage; Driving Transformation.
DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly set the tone for the one-day workshop when he told attendees that the event was more than a forum for discussion, it was a catalyst for collaboration. “Across defense and academia, we brought together some of the brightest minds in data science, analytics and logistics to unlock new opportunities that will enhance decision-making, optimize resources and fortify the capabilities of those who serve,” Simerly said.
Among the many critical commodities that DLA manages, Simerly said data is the most decisive. “To enhance our global logistics and service readiness, organizing data usage is paramount to better understand and mitigate end-to-end risk and enable decision advantage.”
Simerly described a rapidly evolving battlespace where AI tools are revolutionizing the way leaders make decisions – enhancing speed, accuracy and effectiveness in unprecedented ways. “AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data in real time provides a decisive advantage in deterring conflict and winning a fight,” Simerly said. “The more data AI has access to, the sharper its insights, the more precise its recommendations and the faster our forces can act.”
Simerly added that successful AI deployment depends on collaboration. “It takes a unified effort across military and governmental sectors, bringing together stakeholders in policy, procurement and operations to harness AI’s full potential.”
The director made clear that sustaining the warfighter ahead of need is DLA’s mission. “With AI as a powerful enabler, we are transforming logistics, safeguarding our supply chains and strengthening our nation’s defense posture for the challenges ahead.”
DLA Chief Information Officer Adarryl Roberts said the purpose of the workshop is to leave with actionable items that the assembled group would tackle together. “We are already on that journey, we’re not starting the journey today. But this is an opportunity to recommit to the focus of how decisive it is for us to move forward.”
Roberts emphasized the role of decision advantage among the 4D initiatives. “We’ve always had decision advantage but our adversaries are quickly trying to catch up to where we are. This is about enhancing and ensuring that we maintain that decision advantage we have as a nation.”
Roberts cautioned that AI and automation are not a silver bullet. “They are force multipliers that allow us to be more efficient, more effective and make better use of the talent we have in the DOD workforce.”
Networking sessions, fireside chats, panel discussions and breakout tracks gave attendees an opportunity to explore complex issues, discuss challenges and share lessons learned.
Patrick Kelleher, deputy assistant secretary of defense for materiel readiness, joined several panel members to lead a discussion on posture and readiness. Participants discussed the importance of leveraging data to enhance readiness and mission effectiveness-- turning information into action and action into victory. Breakout tracks addressed a range of 4D topics, including data fabric, AI-powered supply chains, collaborative filtering and mastering supply chain risk in a volatile world.
DLA plans to host the workshop annually.