DLA vice director meets with Disposition Services team

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — Defense Logistics Agency Vice Director Brad Bunn visited the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center on Aug. 11 for a briefing on DLA Disposition Services’ Annual Operating Plan, hearing how the organization is aligning activities with the agency’s priorities of “Set the Globe,” “Set the Agency,” and “Set the Supply Chain.”

Director Mike Cannon led the update, describing readiness efforts that include joint contingency simulations for expeditionary teams, initiatives that push greater reutilization of excess equipment, and expanded training for disposal services representatives who guide property generators through reverse logistics.

Bunn said command-level updates help senior leaders gauge progress on the current plan and shape requirements for the next fiscal year.

Cannon outlined fiscal 2026 focus areas—warfighter contingencies, strategic workforce optimization, data acumen, and adaptive support—across a global mission set that spans property disposal, reutilization of excess equipment, hazardous waste handling, and demilitarization. “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 session, Bunn offered feedback on proposed courses of action and commended the organization and its field sites for bolstering 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 pointed to standardizing disposal services representative functions—emphasizing customer assistance, training, and policy guidance—as one of the year’s business improvements. He also noted software upgrades to the Warehouse Management System and usability enhancements to the Reutilization, Transfer, and Donation program, changes aimed at saving military units significant procurement dollars. “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.

Looking to fiscal 2027, Cannon said the command plans to advance reverse logistics modernization, support large-scale retirements such as the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile program and aging aircraft, and reposition field resources to meet rising turn-in and demilitarization demands at high-activity locations.

Before departing, Bunn presented challenge coins to three employees for standout performance: Contract Procurement Analyst Kerry Kirby, Military Service Liaison Rebecca Hoeksema, and Management and Program Analyst Graham Leslie.