BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Defense Logistics Agency Vice Director Brad Bunn visited the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, August 11, where he received a DLA Disposition Services Annual Operating Plan update.
The comprehensive briefing, led by DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon, detailed the major subordinate command’s strategy to stay aligned with agency core priorities “Set the Globe,” “Set the Agency,” and “Set the Supply Chain.”
Cannon provided progress updates on several readiness-generating efforts including joint contingency simulations that prepare expeditionary personnel to support the warfighter downrange, property reutilization initiatives to maximize the reuse of excess DoW assets, and additional training for DLA disposal services representatives who train property generators and help the services navigate reverse logistics requirements.
Bunn said MSC briefs help leadership understand where the organization is currently at with AOP execution and what deliverables should be built into the next fiscal year plan.
The update highlighted how strategic alignment directly and positively impacts the warfighter. Cannon outlined how the MSC has focused throughout fiscal year 2026 on specific strategic subjects, including warfighter contingencies, strategic workforce optimization, data acumen, and adaptive warfighter support. That support encompasses property disposal management, excess equipment reutilization, hazardous waste disposal, and demilitarization operations executed globally across diverse operational environments.
“I think we’re in line with the current strategy and our ability to support,” Cannon said. “We are standing by to adjust as necessary so that we continue to deliver what the services and other agencies need.”
Throughout the briefing, Bunn provided feedback and asked questions on how the MSC’s planned courses of action could achieve the best results. He also praised DLA Disposition Services and its field sites for outstanding contributions to joint force readiness.
“DLA needs to remain relevant – and not for our sake – but for the sake of the warfighters,” Bunn said. “Maintaining relevance is not just continuing status quo, but also breakthroughs, and I think you have opportunities with the leadership here to make some breakthroughs.”
Cannon said one business breakthrough is the standardization of DSR functions that center on providing property disposal guidance and prioritizing customer assistance and training. Other fiscal year efforts included key software updates to the Warehouse Management System, and enhancements to Reutilization, Transfer, and Donation program usability that can help save millions of procurement dollars for military units each year.
“I love that I continue to see real progress on these initiatives that we talked about, seeing them come to life and proving our mission effectiveness, and, more importantly, improving the effects for the warfighter,” Bunn said.
Cannon said that in FY 2027, the major-sub command will continue to focus heavily on reverse logistics modernization, expects to support large-scale military system retirements like the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile program and older aircraft inventories, and adjust field assets to handle increased property turn-in and demilitarization demands at emerging high-demand locations.
Before concluding his visit, Bunn presented challenge coins to three team members for their outstanding contributions to the DLA Disposition Services mission. Those recognized were Contract Procurement Analyst Kerry Kirby, Military Service Liaison Rebecca Hoeksema, and Management and Program Analyst Graham Leslie.