DLA rotational assignments bridge functional expertise and enterprise leadership

A Defense Logistics Agency employee who stepped away from a familiar contracting track to take on an executive-level rotation says the move reshaped her confidence and broadened her view of the enterprise, culminating in a packed agency town hall she managed from planning to execution.

During a four-month detail to the Director’s Strategic Initiatives Group, Smith served as project manager for an agencywide town hall that drew standing-room-only attendance in the main auditorium and overflow spaces. “Seeing the immense turnout triggered a massive ‘aha’ moment,” she said. “I realized I felt genuinely confident.”

Smith built her career at DLA Energy, advancing from GS-7 to GS-13 in contracting, but sought a wider perspective on how her function fits across the enterprise. “On paper, I excel in my role. But internally? I was struggling with professional confidence,” Smith said. “While contracting is vital to DLA’s global mission, I wanted to broaden my perspective and understand how our puzzle piece fit into the larger enterprise.”

She applied for the Strategic Initiatives Group rotation in fiscal 2026. The SIG coordinates strategic communication and prepares the agency’s director, vice director and senior enlisted leader for key engagements.

Charles Barber, the agency’s human resources director, called the Enterprise Rotation Program a critical investment in developing leaders. “It gives employees an opportunity to broaden their perspective beyond their home organization, better understand how DLA operates as an enterprise, and return with new relationships, experiences, and ideas that strengthen both their teams and our agency,” he said.

Early in the rotation, Smith said the pace and visibility tested her. During her first briefing with the director, she was so nervous her hand shook and she couldn’t take clear notes, she recalled. She shared the moment with teammates, who responded with coaching, mentorship and introductions to a network of former rotation participants who continue to advise colleagues across the agency. “If I had fully understood the underlying skill gaps I was going to be forced to confront, I might have let fear stop me from applying,” Smith said. “I am profoundly grateful that I didn’t.”

She described the rotation as hands-on and high impact. “Being in the SIG for this rotation was nothing short of transformative, both personally and professionally,” Smith said. “This is not a worst-case corporate internship where you make copies and go on coffee runs. The SIG team throws you right into the fire, empowering you to own high-visibility projects from start to finish.”

The town hall’s success, she added, reinforced the value of connecting day-to-day technical work to organizational priorities. “Orchestrating this project for the director of an agency of about 25,000 people — and seeing it succeed — validated stepping out of my comfort zone to connect daily technical efforts to the big picture,” Smith said. “It proved this program gives you a real seat at the table.”

Smith encouraged colleagues to pursue enterprise assignments with curiosity and collaboration rather than expecting instant mastery. “Stepping away from my familiar lane was intimidating, but embracing the challenge of the SIG rotation gave me the exact push I never knew I needed,” she said. “Sometimes, taking a leap into the unknown is the best way to accelerate your own growth.”

DLA says the Enterprise Rotation Program supports its strategic plan and “People” imperative by building agility through on-the-job learning. The program is open to GS-11 through GS-15 employees for assignments lasting three to 11.5 months, with centrally funded travel and per diem. Nominations are accepted each fall for placements beginning early the following year.

Employees seeking more information about rotations can contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Questions specific to the Strategic Initiatives Group rotation may be sent to [email protected].