FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
In an era where global conflicts are increasingly defined by technological advancements and strategic complexities, the Defense Logistics Agency is turning its focus to a critical aspect of military logistics: materiel disposition.
In the most recent Campaign of Learning white paper, “Defense Materiel Disposition in a Contested Logistics Environment,” Timothy J. Walters, a logistics and strategic planner with DLA Disposition Services, details how the effective management of excess military equipment can mitigate logistical challenges and sustain operations when supply chains are disrupted. A DLA common access card is required to read the paper.
“The last time the U.S. military truly operated in a contested logistics environment was World War II,” he writes. “Local resources will need to again become essential to the U.S. military’s success in large-scale and protracted conflicts when logistic vacuums emerge in contested environments. Integrating salvage, or what is now referred to as materiel disposition, into logistics concepts, plans and activities will be crucial for conserving materiel to fill requirements when supply chains fail.”
Materiel disposition involves strategic reuse, reclamation and disposal of excess property to fill supply gaps and conserve resources, Walters writes. By effectively managing excess equipment and supplies, the military can sustain operations even when traditional supply chains are disrupted. He argues these practices can enhance military readiness and resilience in operational theaters by turning what might be considered waste into a wellspring of opportunity.
However, the path to optimizing materiel disposition is not without its hurdles. Walters’ paper identifies potential weaknesses, as he cautions against incorrect demilitarization coding and low reutilization rates of excess property. He notes these issues could lead to security risks and missed opportunities for resource optimization. Adversaries might exploit these weaknesses to gain access to sensitive equipment.
The white paper also emphasizes the need for a cultural shift towards valuing materiel disposition as a critical asset and integrating it into broader logistics strategies.
"Current practices often overlook the potential of excess property, leaving resources untapped that could enhance readiness and operational effectiveness," Walters writes.
As the agency focuses on transformation guided by the DLA Strategic Plan 2025-2030, Walters argues now is the time to focus on bringing materiel disposition to the forefront of logistics planning. By embracing a proactive approach, the U.S. military can ensure its logistics operations remain resilient and effective, even in the face of adversarial challenges.