FORT BELVOIR, Virginia –
Civilian volunteers are needed to fulfil deputy commander and operations officer roles for three Defense Logistics Agency Rapid Deployment Teams that will deploy on short notice to assist military and federal agencies during international emergencies and contingencies in 2021.
Volunteers must have a broad knowledge of DLA. Deputy commanders are GS-14s and provide leadership and guidance to RDT members in the commander’s absence. Operations officers are GS-13s and ensure daily logistics support is provided throughout the area of responsibility and serve as the primary point of contact for deployed units.
This is the first time DLA Logistics Operations has extended recruitment for both positions agencywide. Previously, deputy commanders were recruited only from DLA Headquarters and operations officers were recruited from DLA Aviation and DLA Land and Maritime. Broadening the recruitment pool will attract DLA’s highest qualified candidates, said Amy Stayer, RDT program manager.
The 13-member teams also include subject matter experts from DLA major subordinate commands as well as information technology, legal and human resources experts. The teams were created in 2015 and have deployed to support missions such as hurricane relief in Puerto Rico and training exercises in the Pacific. The latest RDT activation supported medical and logistics units mobilizing to assist in the Defense Department’s nationwide COVID-19 response.
“With its cross section of functional experts, RDTs are the agency’s initial face to customers during deployments. They serve as vital sources of intelligence for our supply chains,” Stayer said.
RDT members receive deployment training and equipment at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. This year’s training is scheduled for Sept. 28 through Oct. 6.
Volunteers should send resumes to Stayer at Shannon.Stayer@dla.mil by July 20. Candidates will be reviewed by a DLA Logistics Operations selection panel.