DLA director unveils transformation progress

The Defense Logistics Agency is undertaking a broad transformation to sharpen its support to military customers, streamline internal processes and present a more consistent interface to private-sector partners, DLA Director Army Lt. Gen. Mark Simerly said in a recent leadership message.

“Our transformation is designed for a single purpose: to strengthen our core mission — support to the warfighter,” Simerly says.

The initiative elevates data-driven decision-making and expanded use of artificial intelligence while moving away from legacy services, reassessing missions that may fit better within the military departments, and reviewing infrastructure to concentrate resources on warfighter needs.

A central pillar is the consolidation of the aviation, land and maritime supply chains under a single organization, DLA Weapons Support. The goal is to cut duplicative steps and send a clearer, unified demand signal to industry.

Navy Rear Adm. Julie Treanor and Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Launey will continue leading DLA Weapons Support in Columbus, Ohio, and Richmond, Virginia, respectively, until the new command reaches full operational capability. At that point, Treanor will take command of the combined team.

“One command, one operating model, two locations,” Simerly says, describing a construct that will be headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, while retaining the Richmond workforce and offering a consolidated point of contact for both the warfighter and industry.

Ahead of upcoming annual operating plan reviews, Simerly urged employees to examine how their operations and use of data can make the agency faster, more agile and better aligned with customers.