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VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.) President & CEO
COL Craig Hymes, USA (Ret.)
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For a listing of current Committee Chairpersons, Government Liaisons, and Chapter & Regional Presidents, please visit the Association website
EDITORIAL OBJECTIVES
The editorial objectives of the Defense are to advance knowledge and science in defense logistics and transportation and the partnership between the commercial transportation industry and the government stimulates thought and effort in the areas of defense transportation, logistics, and distribution by providing readers with:
News and information about defense logistics and transportation issues
New theories or techniques
Information on research programs
Creative views and syntheses of
Articles in subject areas that have significant current impact on thought and practice in defense logistics and transportation
Reports on NDTA Chapters
Defense Transportation Journal is designed as a forum for current research, opinion, and identification of trends in defense transportation and logistics. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily of the Editors, the Editorial Review Board, or NDTA.
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Greetings NDTA Team,
Bringing the DoD and Industry Together
VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.) NDTA President & CEO
From all of us at NDTA Headquarters, we wish you and yours a wonderful 2024 Holiday Season! We have much to be thankful for as an organization following our highly successful NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting. In this issue, we will recap the Fall Meeting and highlight many of the valuable insights from this signature meeting. Importantly, we recognized NDTA’s 80th Anniversary with a wonderful film celebrating our rich heritage of government and industry partnership. View “NDTA: 80 Years and Be yond” at https://www.youtube.com/ndtahq.
Just prior to the Fall Meeting, I attended the USTRANSCOM Change of Com mand and congratulated General Jacqueline Van Ovost for her service and accomplish ments as the Commander U.S. Transpor tation Command. In her remarks at Scott Air Force Base on October 4, General Van Ovost thanked her USTRANSCOM team and the component commands (SDDC, MSC and AMC). She also thanked the “Fourth Component”—industry—for con tributions to the defense of the Nation and support for the Defense Logistics Enterprise. She specifically recognized NDTA’s efforts to bring DoD and industry together.
As I sat in the audience with many mem bers of industry, I was overcome with pride by the trust DoD places in NDTA. This trust is a direct result of the NDTA mem bership cadre of logistics professionals whom you represent. Please know that General Van Ovost’s appreciation is heartfelt and belongs to each of you.
At the Fall Meeting, we also welcomed the 15th Commander of USTRANSCOM— General Randall Reed, formerly Deputy Commander, Air Mobility Command. During remarks at the Change of Command, he said, “Make no mistake, the work we must do now to deter growing threats is serious and demands a sense of urgency. Nevertheless, we will never shy from the contested environment.”
General Reed also stressed the importance of Allies and coalition partners around the world, along with the Fourth Component, for the global networks they can plug into around the globe for access and capacity. Please watch his address at the Fall Meeting at www.ndtahq.com/decision-advantage-akey-component-of-credible-capacity
I encourage each of you to visit the NDTA website, under the Education/Videos tabs, to view all the general session speakers and fireside chats, as well as many of the
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is for certain: Our pacing challenges around the globe will drive transportation and logistics requirements. Developing “decision advantage” into fully functioning tools, leverag-
nificant topics facing those in the world of military logistics and transportation directly from those leading the way—and learn how to utilize that knowledge to influence and, ultimately, accelerate decision advantage.
Looking ahead to 2025, we see an actionpacked year in which we will likely see transitions and policy changes as a new administration takes the helm of our Nation. One thing
sets (e.g., the US-flagged fleet) to support the security of our economy will be necessary to prosper in a period of continued great power competition and conflict. I am deeply proud and appreciative of our NDTA members who always work together to achieve these ends. Best wishes to everyone for great success in 2025!
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What is leadership? An outstanding reference is from Harvard Business School professor Linda Hill, one of the world’s top experts on leadership. “Becoming a great leader is a journey of continuous learning and growth. It is a process — one that thrives on embracing challenges, seeking feedback, fostering connections, and cultivating understanding,” according to Professor Hill. “Your goal is to develop the mindset, behaviors, and relationships that allow you to take on challenges and opportunities and do extraordinary things.”
In her article, “8 Essential Qualities of Successful Leaders,” Professor Hill outlines the eight most essential leadership qualities: Authenticity, Curiosity, Analytical Prowess, Adaptability, Creativity, Comfort with Ambiguity, Resilience, and Empathy. She explains, “Star leaders are not born with superhuman capabilities. Rather, they tend to have intentionally put themselves in situations where they must learn, adapt, and grow — a crucible for developing the tenacity and fortitude to motivate and guide others.”
This continuous learning and growth reflect my philosophy and vision. Your leadership must be adaptable to each situation, individual, and organization. Leadership is not a constant; it is a continuous process you modify and update to meet the challenges in your life.
I possess several of the essential qualities, but I also have developed my own professional processes and techniques that incorporate many of the rest. (See sidebar “Techniques for Leadership Success.”) This
evolved through over 27 years of experience in the military and 15 years as a DOD civilian. With nearly five years of experience as an industry business development manager, I also gained invaluable knowledge through many different leadership courses and guidance from informal mentors, combined with my own curiosity, creativity, and resilience.
APPLY TECHNIQUES TO NDTA CHAPTER LEADERSHIP
I have a unique blend of experience, leadership, enthusiasm, and drive from starting and restarting four NDTA chapters. Cultivating the right people on your team and getting them to believe in the mission is the glue to every successful organization. Bringing younger and resolute partners creates future growth to sustain our great organization. No matter what professional, organization, or trade you are in, understanding the mission plays a key part. With my experience, I know what might be interesting. I am connected to many people and organizations, and I am not afraid to put my neck out and ask. Communication is the key and having board members from commercial industry and senior military consultants keeps the vectoring in a realistic and positive direction. But persistence, patience, partnerships, and service above self makes the difference.
We were taught in the military to always strive for service above self, excellence in all we do, and integrity above all else in doing our missions and taking care of our subordinates and even our bosses. Just because you have retired, or are about to retire, from the military does not mean that part that is
Cultivating Leadership through Continuous Growth and Learning
By Lt Col Robert Sherrill, USAF (ret.), NDTA Pacific Northwestern Region President
ingrained into your personality goes away. Most of us do not stop growing; we continue to give back to our communities in a variety of ways.
Each NDTA chapter needs a core group of people who are willing to support the mission of NDTA in the following ways:
• Actively support development of the defense transportation and logistics enterprise workforce.
• Enhance the Defense Industrial Base and its linkages to the Nation’s economic security.
• Enhance our ability to function as a conduit for industry and government dialog for cooperation, readiness, capacity, and resilience.
• Collaborate to fulfill the priorities of the DoD’s Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise as they relate to the US National Defense Strategy.
• Emphasize NDTA Committee growth and activity to support government needs.
• Promote the NDTA Young Leaders Program to support the growth and development of our young leaders in logistics and transportation.
• Support chapter and member programs promoting activity and growth.
FORM KEY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
NDTA fosters a unique brand of partnership between private and public enterprise found nowhere else in the global transportation, distribution, and government travel industry. We must emphasize and stress those relationships. Our members contribute expertise, experience, and resources to enable swift and sure delivery of supplies
and services to military forces worldwide. It has been a privilege to team up with DOD partners to target the challenges, leverage technology and ensure world-class mission support to the tasks at hand. Showing the value of NDTA membership from networking, personal development, professional education, community involvement and mentoring by building relationships, broadening your network, sharing your knowledge, and staying current on industry trends are part of the value. Engagement and participation are part of leadership.
Knowledge and competence in business are vital to success, but that comes with the people who can help you along the way, help you learn, develop relationships and build on your successes. Be open and ready when this may occur. Get involved! This engagement will help you meet people, make friends, find mentors, and facilitate future possibilities. Too often, we are busy with the day-to-day aspects of our jobs and forget that increasing our knowledge and developing leadership and management skills takes time and effort. Professional development is something we owe ourselves, our peers, and subordinates.
One way to maintain and enhance our skills and knowledge is to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the numerous professional development opportunities the NDTA offers (www.ndtahq.com). Participation in NDTA provides an excellent opportunity to meet those with similar interests, exchange ideas, and expand your horizons.
In this global competitive environment, it is important to constantly seek ways to set new goals and objectives to improve ourselves and our organizations through leadership and mentorship. We cannot afford to NOT take advantage of new opportunities. DTJ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robert Sherrill, LTC, USAF (ret.), has 47 years of worldwide logistics experience as an Air Force and Joint officer, DOD/DLA civilian and commercial air freight business development manager. He has a bachelor’s degree in business from Washington State University and a master’s degree in systems management from the University of Southern California. Currently, he is the NDTA Northwest Regional President and Executive Director of the Alaska Veterans Museum. He is a recipient of NDTA’s highest honor, the Joseph A. Torsani Memorial Award for Lifetime Service & Achievement.
Techniques for Leadership Success
Manage by walking around.
Think and execute outside the box.
Listen.
Learn from your people and act on it.
Give credit by complimenting and thanking people.
Take care of your people.
Be positive.
Accept your faults and strive to do better.
Be persistent and push beyond your comfort zone.
Analyze your path and life annually with a deep dive into where you have been and where you are going. Post a list within your daily sight.
Seek mentors and become a mentor for others.
Do not be afraid to ask tough questions.
Uphold your personal integrity.
Devise a solution/COAs for every problem.
Challenge your people for their weekly three positive issues and three challenging issues.
Communication up and down the chain of command is the most important technique of all. Here are some ways to do it well:
Create an atmosphere for new ideas.
Take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Model evaluation to better understand your personality traits as evidenced by your peers, subordinates, and superiors at different junctures in your professional growth.
Make time to do what is important even when you really don’t have time.
Volunteer for tough jobs and exercises.
Supporting NDTA and the U.S. Warfighter Deployed Globally
Accelerating Decision Advantage Across Defense Transportation & Logistics
The Russian army’s logistical failures in Ukraine in 2022, including inadequate supply routes, unrealistic logistics forecasts, and desynchronized distribution operations, have prompted American military leaders to ask how the joint force can avoid a similar initial defeat and sustain a protracted conflict.
As the military services undergo their largest transformation efforts in the past four decades, we risk repeating the Russian Army's failure to field adequate logistics capabilities. The military services and combatant commands are all transforming their warfighting concepts, doctrine, training, and equipment to deter and defeat new and emerging threats. To fulfill our assigned mission and remain the preeminent logistics force in the world, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) must transform, as well.
IMPLEMENTING MEANINGFUL CHANGE
The challenges Russia faced in its invasion of Ukraine will not differ from our own if we are forced into a protracted conflict without adequate preparation. To succeed in an environment where our logistics plans and efforts are contested by adversaries in all domains at all levels of war, we must think, act and operate in new ways. It is only through meaningful change that we can deliver exceptional global logistics support and win
in today’s rapidly changing environment. The access and freedom of maneuver our nation enjoyed in the post-Cold War environment is rapidly coming to an end. Each day more and more of our logistics operations are being directly or indirectly contested by our advisories. As today’s logistics operations become increasingly visible from the point of requirement to the industrial base, we must change our approach in delivering logistics solutions to those we support. This will require a deliberate shift from an efficiency-based to a resiliency-based model, where single sources of supply, single staging bases, or single distribution routes will cause military formations to take on unnecessary risk.
Logistics provides the foundation for America’s combat power, and our adversaries know it. We understand our adversaries intend to attack vulnerabilities that they perceive within our logistics capabilities, which underpins all our abilities to conduct combat operations. To combat this, we must add resilience to our posture so that we cannot only anticipate attacks but be better prepared to respond to them through stronger networks and stronger means to transport items anywhere in the world.
A CALL TO ACTION
To address the contested logistics environment, DLA recently released our new strategic plan, “DLA Transforms: A Call to Action.”
The plan recalibrates our mission, vision, values, operating principles, and imperatives to best support the nation by transforming capabilities, strengthening our partnerships, and shifting to more resilient supply chain solutions.
As we move to address the contested logistics environment, we must have a sense of urgency and clarity in our purpose. Our activities must be tied with objectives and key results, firmly planted within one of our four transformation imperatives: people, precision, posture and partnerships. This comprehensive approach is critical to accelerating decision advantage across the defense transportation and logistics systems.
With our people, we will build organizational agility through our culture and behaviors. People are our most critical resource and will remain the centerpiece of DLA operations. As the environment changes, so must our people, armed with the right skills and capabilities to enable mission success. Now more than ever, the combination of technical skills, digital acumen, leadership, and warfighting knowledge are critical. Having the right culture allows people to continue to grow and develop as the environment evolves.
Precision is about calibrating resilient and responsive logistics solutions in support of military readiness and combatant command requirements. DLA remains committed to driving precision in its daily processes to maximize the agency’s impact
By Army LTG Mark T. Simerly, USA, Director, Defense Logistics Agency
on readiness while striking an appropriate balance with cost. The agency will meet growing demands by increasing effectiveness and delivering resilient logistics solutions that address the unique attributes of each service and class of supply.
To achieve precision, we must think, act and operate differently. We must think about the challenges of war fighting clearly as we craft solutions. We must act in ways that generate greater readiness and resilience today and for the future fight. We must operate in ways that allows us to act with precision in all our communications to industry so we can generate greater decision advantage and be better prepared to support and anticipated requirements. Simply put, we cannot afford to be imprecise.
We must leverage and master state-ofthe-art analytical tools to achieve a decisive advantage over our adversaries. We must transition data analytics from being a niche capability to an organizational culture that benefits from the ubiquitous nature of today’s data rich environment. At DLA, data is the most critical commodity we manage. To fully embrace digital tools, we need to understand data throughout our organization. We already have over 100 artificial intelligence use cases within DLA, and initiatives such as DLA’s Hackathon will continue to serve as catalysts for innovation. These tools, coupled with investments in digital acumen, will promote precision and decision advantage.
In the absence of the “perfect requirement,” DLA must maintain a bias for action. As stewards of the nation’s resources, we cannot afford to be ambiguous. We must be precise, and we must be prepared to adjust at a pace and volume different from how we have operated in the past.
Posture is enhancing support to integrated deterrence efforts across the continuum of conflict in today’s contested logistics environment. We must strengthen DLA’s global resilience through enhanced presence, positioning of materiel, and a balanced stance to project and protect capability.
Presence is more than physical presence and starts with active collaboration across the services, combatant commands, industry, and our partners. Presence continues with collaborative planning, participation in joint and multinational programs and exercises, and leveraging agreements and infrastructure to best support the services, combatant commands and our allies.
Posture encompasses a comprehensive review of materiel requirements to ensure the
right commodities are in the right place at the right time. We are not only concerned about a short, sharp conflict, but also about sustaining protracted warfare. Having the resilience in our supply chains, having the right commodities in the right place, not only at the beginning of the war, but the ability to assure support throughout a conflict is where we must focus.
Posture also includes a balanced stance, where we can project materiel or personnel to meet emerging requirements and ensure the protection of our capabilities. The right people with the right skillsets positioned across the globe are critical to maintaining relationships, access, and permissions required to sustain and win.
Rapid internal communication and collaboration remain critical in the event we must surge. Preparation for potential surge events is financially intensive, requiring funding flexibility to ensure DLA can support wartime inventory requirements while maintaining the health of our working capital fund.
Partnerships and close collaboration and integration across the services, combatant commands, industry, and our allies are key to success. DLA will enable and promote logistics interoperability by proactively shaping dialogue on logistics planning, leveraging our logistics and acquisition expertise, and providing transparent data and predictive analytics.
It is vitally important to be able to work with industry, understand their challenges, and generate resilience within their supply chains. We need to provide consistent and predictable demand signals so they can better anticipate military requirements. Expanding our industrial base to increase their capability and capacity throughout the defense logistics enterprise is another strategic priority.
We will also continue working with our whole-of-government partners such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Throughout the 2024 hurricane season, DLA provided food, bottled water, fuel, generators and more to the areas of our country that were devastated by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
The agency’s partnerships with other government agencies not only benefit federal and state partners, but also improve our support to the warfighter through greater supply chain resiliency and increased efficiency. We will build on these partnerships and optimize our offerings to all our customers so we can
provide them with high-quality, well-priced items to meet their needs.
CREATING A CULTURE FOR VICTORY
The future landscape of conflict and the growing influence of near-peer competitors mean we must act now. DLA is not just a team supporting warfighters, we are a warfighting team. We face a decisive decade in an overall transformative era, and DLA must create a culture that meets our commitments and sets conditions for victory.
The Russians' failed assault on Ukraine reminds us that logistics is the difference between victory and culmination. With the looming threat of large-scale combat in Europe or the Pacific, we cannot afford to undervalue and underinvest in logistics.
DLA will work collaboratively with the services, combatant commands, industry, and our allies, sustaining our nation in all domains regardless of adversarial intent. By focusing on people, precision, posture and partnerships, we will adapt to changing environments and enable decision advantage across the defense transportation and logistics systems.
As we execute this Strategic Plan, we must continue to hold ourselves accountable. Rapid adaptation, decision advantage, and resilience remain the keys to our success.
Government contractors must maintain thorough documentation of their cybersecurity practices, including risk assessments, incident response plans, and recovery strategies. This documentation is crucial for demonstrating compliance during audits and inspections by federal agencies. Contractors should also be prepared to provide regular reports on their cybersecurity status, including any incidents or breaches that have occurred. DTJ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
LTG Mark T. Simerly is the director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was awarded a BA degree as a Distinguished Military Graduate from the University of Richmond. Simerly holds a MS degree in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University and an MMAS. from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.
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Find videos of Fall Meeting presentations and much more in NDTA’s educational library!
NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting summary material is intended to provide an overview of presentations and should by no means be considered verbatim. This information does not necessarily represent the official position of the US government or any of its entities, NDTA or any of its corporate members. We regret any errors or omissions. For more information regarding the meeting please visit NDTA’s website at www.ndtahq.com.
T2024 NDTA-USTRANSCOM
Fall Meeting Wrap-up
he 2024 NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting brought together a diverse group of professionals from government, military, and industry to explore critical issues in logistics, transportation, and defense readiness. The conference, held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Mo., October 7–10, set a record with over 2,000 attendees.
The event focused on “Accelerating Deci sion Advantage Across Defense Transporta tion and Logistics,” highlighting the role of advanced technologies like data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecu rity in shaping the future of logistics and military operations. This theme explored how data analytics can transform challeng es into opportunities and enable decisionmaking superiority in military operations. It provided a platform for government, military, and industry professionals to do a deep dive into collaborating, identifying solutions to logistics and transportation is sues, learning about innovative technolo gies, and building professional and per sonal relationships.
The opening ceremony featured NDTA President & CEO VADM William A. Brown, USN (Ret.), serving as the em cee, and General Randall Reed, USAF Commander, U.S. Transportation Com mand (USTRANSCOM) as co-host, with Mr. John Dietrich, NDTA Chairman of the Board and Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer of FedEx, addressing the audience in the nearly packed Grand Ball room. The ceremony showcased an inspir
liver,’ CMSgt Kruzelnick said “There is no ‘we’ and there is no ‘together’ without the [NDTA] founding fathers. What incredible foresight the seven founding fathers had to bring together like-minded people so that we can master the most crucial element of war winning, which is logistics.” His key“21st Century Warfare,” centered on the face of our pacing threat, the importance of a whole-of-society approach to national security, the need for technological advancement, and a review of 2024 global logistics operations through the eyes of US-
Dr. Radha Iyengar Plumb, SES, Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer at the Department of Defense, delivered the “Accelerating DoD Adoption of Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence to Enable Decision Advantage,” which emphasized the importance of accelerating the DoD’s integration of AI and data analytics to improve decision-making from the boardroom to the battlefield.
The third keynote was delivered by Gen Randall Reed, USAF, who spoke on “Decision Advantage: A Key Component of CredHe highlighted the strong
General Randall Reed, USAF
partnerships USTRANSCOM maintains with allies, commercial industry partners, and other government organizations, which enable the command to accomplish its mission effectively. Gen Reed, who assumed command of USTRANSCOM just days before the meeting, succeeded Gen Jacqueline Van Ovost, USAF (Ret.).
The Transportation Academy offered eight learning tracks, with over 65 interactive classes and seminars covering a wide range of defense logistics topics taught by subject matter experts. Fireside chats, computer labs, and committee discussions also complemented the learning experience. Networking opportunities were abundant, with attendees engaging during breaks, at the Expo Hall, and during evening receptions.
For those early in their careers, the NDTA Young Leaders Committee organized networking and educational activities, including a social hour and a luncheon featuring mentor-facilitated tabletop discussions, providing valuable opportunities for young professionals to connect with both government and industry leaders.
Committee News
Five of NDTA’s functional committees and nine subcommittees met during the event: Military Aviation Advisory Committee (MAAC), Military Sealift, Surface Transportation, Logistics and Distribution, and Cybersecurity Best Practices. Let’s give a big shout out to two members who were voted in as committee chairs at the Fall Meeting:
Chair, Logistics and Distribution Committee
Anne Bradley, President & CEO, Agility Defense & Government Services
Chair, Surface Transportation Committee
Kenneth (K.R.)
McKenzie, Director, Metals and Equipment, CSX Transportation
Presentation Summaries
Keynote 1: 21st Century Warfare
CMSgt Brian Kruzelnick, USAF, the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of USTRANSCOM, reflected on historical milestones, such as the Berlin Airlift and the Gulf War, to illustrate how logistics has evolved from supporting traditional military operations to being central to global defense strategy. He underscored the importance of USTRANSCOM’s partnerships with allies, commercial entities, and industry to support national defense in a world increasingly dominated by great power competition, particularly from China and Russia. USTRANSCOM’s adoption of advanced technologies, including AI and data analytics, is key to maintaining decision superiority. He called for a unified effort across sectors to modernize logistics infrastructure, secure cyber networks, and enhance military readiness in an era of rapid technological change.
“We have to be ready for what 21st century warfare is gonna look like. It's gonna be defined by new technologies and new tactics. It's gonna be spoofing and jamming. It's gonna be direct energy weapons. It's gonna be AI weapons, war bots, drones and autonomous systems. It's gonna weaponize cyber and space. And it has already weaponized information.“
—CMSgt
Kruzelnick, USAF
Keynote 2: Accelerating DoD Adoption of Data, Analytics, and Artificial Intelligence to Enable Decision Advantage
Dr. Radha Iyengar Plumb, SES, the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital and AI Officer, highlighted the DoD’s strat-
egy to integrate AI and data analytics to improve decision-making, enhance opera tional efficiency, and maintain technologi cal leadership. She said, “AI has incredible promise across the full gamut of activities from inside the Pentagon to headquar ter elements to the battlefield itself.” Dr. Plumb discussed the vast scale of DoD op erations, including a global supply chain three times the size of Walmart’s, and em phasized that AI could streamline logistics, planning, and battle space awareness. She acknowledged the AI investments by glob al competitors like China and Russia, not ing that the DoD’s focus on responsible AI use is key to maintaining ethical standards while gaining a technological edge. She concluded by advocating for collabora tion among government, industry, and academia to overcome barriers to AI integration and ensure that the US retains its competitive advantage in defense.
“The United States’ decisive and enduring advantage lies in the innovation ethic inherent in the American economy. The department's ability to incorporate the nation's vibrant private sectors, technologies and innovations is critical to progressing in everything from computer infrastructure to specific digital and AI applications.”
—Dr. Plumb, SES
Keynote 3: Decision Advantage: A Key Component of Credible Capacity
General Randall Reed, USAF, Commander of USTRANSCOM, emphasized the need for agility and resilience in response to the complex, contested global environment. He discussed the importance of collaborative partnerships with allies and civilian industry to ensure security and operational readiness. Highlighting the concept of “decision advantage,” Gen Reed explained how data analytics, AI, and rapid access to information enhance the ability to make timely, informed decisions. “As a practitioner for decision advantage,
what’s important is being able to make the right decision fast enough to build enough time to be able to execute.” He also assessed the challenges of “contested logistics,” where adversaries increasingly target supply chains, and outlined USTRANSCOM’s proactive measures to safeguard logistics operations.
His message was clear: National defense success requires strong, coordinated efforts across government, industry, and interna tional partners.
“The homeland is no longer a sanctuary. We have great power to deter in the kinetic realm. The question will be: How do we continue to get stronger in the nonkinetic and the gray zone realm? There’s a lot of work to be done there.”—Gen Reed, USAF
Fireside Chat 1: Data Analytics Enable Decision Advantage
A panel discussion moderated by Ryan Samuelson, SES, Brig Gen USAF (Ret.), Director of USTRANSCOM’s JDPAC and SDDC’s TEA, explored the role of data analytics and AI in military logistics. The panel, which included Gen Daniel Tulley, USAF Operations, USTRANSCOM J3, Timothy L. Jacobs, PhD, PE of Research Services, Amazon, and Paul Nelson, CSC, Australian Liaison Officer to The Joint Staff J4 and US TRANSCOM, emphasized the military’s shift from intuition-based to evidencebased decision-making.
Fireside Chat 2: Cybersecurity, Data Security, Artificial Intelligence and the People's Republic of China
the potential for advanced manufacturing to reduce dependency on traditional supply chains and enhance sustainment in forward areas. They concluded by emphasizing the need for a new generation of logisticians skilled in data analytics, resilience, and joint operations to ensure operational success in future conflicts.
11/19/24, 4:49 PM RCC 8237.JPG - Bezdek - Torsini Award
on the future of logistics in joint warfare, particularly in contested environments.
The discussion highlighted how AI and machine learning could enhance logistics by transforming raw data into actionable intelligence. The panel stressed that AI should enhance human judgment rather than replace it, while underscoring the importance of data integrity and standardization across various DoD and allied systems.
They also noted that lessons from Amazon’s logistical efficiency could be applied to military operations, though military logistics come with unique challenges.
The panel, which included VADM Dion English, USN, Director for Logistics, The Joint Staff J4, LTG Mark Simerly, USA, Director, Defense Logistics Agency, and BGen Forrest Poole, USMC, Assistant Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, US Marine Corps, highlighted the need for transformative changes in logistics to adapt to complex global challenges. They discussed the importance of resilience in supply chains, the role of data and AI in improving logistics command and control, and the need for seamless integration of logistics across joint and coalition forces. The panel also explored
FedEx’s dedication to ensuring reliable supply chain solutions were praised as crucial to enhancing military readiness.
Overall, the 2024 NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting underscored the need for innovation, collaboration, and agility in adapting logistics and transportation operations to a rapidly changing global landscape. The discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics highlighted the critical role technology will play in maintaining US military superiority, while the recognition of outstanding individuals and teams showcased the collective effort required to advance the logistics mission within the military and across the private sector. DTJ
Ernest Bezdek
NDTA Exhibitors and Sponsors Directory
The 2024 NDTA Exposition
NDTA’s annual Fall Exposition is a mustsee highlight of the Fall Meeting week. The bustling exhibit floor was filled with attendees checking out the booths, manned by experts and representatives providing demos and information from military, government, industry, and academia. The event is a prime opportunity for members of the transportation and logistics industry to network, share ideas, and expand their professional networks. We look forward to seeing you again in St. Louis in 2025!
Celebrating the Legacy of NDTA Benelux Chapter Leaders:
Wim van der Stek and LTC (ret. Belgian Army) Eddy Geudens
By Fiona Slabbekoorn, Jason Trubenbach, and John Gallagher
The Benelux Chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) recently held a retirement luncheon in honor of Willem (Wim) H. van der Stek and LTC (ret. Belgian Army) Eddy Geudens. These distinguished individuals have been pivotal in shaping the Benelux Chapter and the broader NDTA community since the late 1970s.
Hosted by Ms. Fiona Slabbekoorn, President of the Benelux Chapter, the event brought together family members, colleagues, and distinguished guests, including their wives, Lisette and Gerda; Mr. John Gallagher representing US Army Europe & Africa; NDTA Europe & Africa Regional President Jason Trubenbach; and current and former NDTA members, all eager to honor the two men who have been the face of the Benelux Chapter for over four decades.
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Wim and Eddy have been integral members of NDTA, specifically the Benelux Chapter, holding numerous leadership roles and spearheading many initiatives that bridged government, military, and private-sector collaboration in the field of defense logistics. They created a trusted environment for professionals to connect, collaborate, and solve critical challenges in logistics and transportation.
Eddy’s journey with NDTA began in 1976 during the first Return of Forces to Germany (REFORGER) exercises through the Port of Antwerp. His extensive military career, particularly his role in coordinating operations during the Gulf War and the Iraq War, earned him the prestigious Meritorious Service Medal. Eddy became a board member of the NDTA Benelux Chapter in 2001 and served as Chapter President from 2006-2011 and 2013-2021. His ability to keep the chapter together during challenging times, particularly the relocation of SDDC’s 598th Transportation Terminal Brigade and 838th Transportation Battalion from Rotterdam to Germany, was instrumental in maintaining the chapter’s vitality.
Pictured from left to right:
Willem (Wim) H. van der Stek — NDTA Vice President at Large, European-African Region NDTA Benelux Chapter Hon. President
John Gallagher — Supervisory Traffic Management Specialist, Theater Movements Center, 21st Theater Sustainment Command
LTC (ret. Belgian Army) Eddy Geudens — Former President, NDTA Benelux Chapter
Wim joined NDTA in 1978 and served in various leadership roles, including Chapter President and European Vice President at large, making him a stalwart supporter of US Army Europe operations and transatlantic cooperation. He played a critical role in numerous events of international significance, including Operation Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and several REFORGER exercises. His dedication to ensuring the smooth transshipment of Department of Defense cargo via Benelux ports has left an indelible mark on the defense logistics community.
ENDURING IMPACT ON NDTA
Throughout their tenures, Wim and Eddy organized and facilitated numerous NDTA events, including regional visits with host nation military organizations, educational visits, tours of industry facilities, meetings with the European Air Transport Command and the Movement Coordination Centre Europe, and galas that brought together military and industry professionals. Their efforts created
lasting opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Even as US Defense operations shifted away from the Benelux, their leadership ensured that the chapter remained active and fostered synergy and engagement.
A LASTING LEGACY
VADM William Brown, USN, (ret), President and CEO of NDTA, praised Wim and Eddy for exemplifying the highest standards of leadership, mentorship, and integrity. Their unwavering commitment to strengthening the relationship between alliance militaries, governments, and industry has had a profound impact on NDTA’s mission and the security of Europe.
Wim and Eddy’s legacies are defined by their achievements and the deep connections they forged within the NDTA community. Their contributions will continue to inspire future generations of defense logistics professionals. Though retiring from their posts, they will remain engaged as lifetime members of NDTA. DTJ
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
These corporations are a distinctive group of
AAR
AAT Carriers, a Covenant Logistics Company
Accenture Federal Services
Agility Defense & Government Services
Air One Aviation
Air Transport Services Group (ATSG)
AIT Worldwide Logistics, Inc.
Alamo City Engineering Services Inc.
Amazon
American President Lines, LLC
American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier
Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings
Bennett Family of Companies
BR Williams
C5MI
Carlile Transportation Systems, LLC
Chapman Freeborn International Ltd.
Corporate Travel Management (CTM)
Crowley Deloitte
DHL Express
Enterprise Mobility
Fairwater Holdings Inc.
Federated Maritime, LLC
FedEx
Freeman Holdings Group
Hapag-Lloyd USA, LLC
AEG Fuels
HomeSafe Alliance
International Auto Logistics, LLC
JET Infrastructure
Kalitta Air, LLC
KGL
Landstar System, Inc.
Leidos
Liberty Global Logistics LLC
Maersk Line, Limited
Matson
Naniq Government Services, LLC
National Air Cargo, Inc.
Omni Air International, LLC
Patriot Maritime
Port of Corpus Christi
SAP
Schuyler Line Navigation Company LLC
Sealift, Inc.
Sixt Rent a Car LLC
Southwest Airlines
The Pasha Group
TOTE Group
Tri-State Motor Transit Co.
United Airlines
US Marine Management
US Ocean, LLC
Waterman Logistics
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Air Charter Service
Berry Aviation, Inc.
BNSF Railway
Boeing Company
Bristol Associates
Choice Hotels International
CSX Transportation
CWTSatoTravel
Echo Global Logistics
Global Logistics Providers
GMR Transport LLC
ICAT Logistics
LMJ International Logistics, LLC
National Air Carrier Association
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.
PayCargo LLC
SAP Concur
Sikich
The Port of Virginia
Transportation Institute
U.S. Bank
Union Pacific Railroad
Western Global Airlines
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
HONOR ROLL OF SUSTAINING MEMBERS AND REGIONAL PATRONS
SUSTAINING MEMBERS
3Sixty
Able Freight
Admiral Merchants Motor Freight, Inc.
Aimbridge Hospitality
All Aboard America Holdings
American Bureau of Shipping
American Maritime Officers
American Trucking Associations
Apex Logistics International Inc.
ArcBest
Army & Air Force Exchange Service
Arven Services, LLC
ATS Secure
Avis Budget Group
Baggett Transportation Company
Beltway Transportation Service
Benchmarking Partners, Inc.
Boyle Transportation
Bridgeway Connects, Inc.
BTX Global Logistics
BWH Hotels
C5T Corporation
CGI Federal
Coleman Worldwide Moving
Construction Helicopters, Inc. (d/b/a CHI Aviation)
Council for Logistics Research
Cypress International, Inc.
D&G Support Services
Dash Point Distributing, LLC
Delta Air Lines
Drury Hotels Company, LLC
Duluth Travel, Inc. (DTI)
EMS Shipping & Trading GmbT
Ernst & Young
Estes Forwarding Worldwide
Everts Air Cargo
Eyre Bus Service, Inc.
Gallantry Global Logistics
GeoDecisions
REGIONAL PATRONS
Amyx
CakeBoxx Technologies, LLC
Cartwright International
Dalko Resources, Inc.
Delaware River Stevedores, Inc.
Enterprise Management Systems
Global Secure Shipping
GMT Resources LLC
Green Valley Transportation Corp.
Groundswell
Hilton Worldwide
Holland & Knight
Hyatt Hotels
IHG Army Hotels
Intermodal Association of North America (IANA)
International Association of Movers
International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA)
Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics
Isaac Instruments
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT)
Juvare Federal & Defense
Keystone Shipping Co.
LMI
Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Mayflower Transit
McCollister’s Global Services, Inc.
Mercer Transportation Company
mLINQS
National Industries for the Blind (NIB)
National Van Lines, Inc.
Nika Corporate Housing
Northern Air Cargo, LLC
Omega World Travel
One Network Enterprises, Inc.
ORBCOMM
Paxton Van Lines
Perfect Logistics, LLC
Pilot Freight Services, a Maersk Company
Plateau GRP
PODS Enterprises LLC
Port of Beaumont
Port of San Diego
Preferred Corporate Housing
Prestera Trucking, Inc.
Priority Worldwide
Prosponsive Logistics
Gridiron Forwarding Co., Inc.
HLI Government Services
JAS Forwarding
John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
Lineage Lynden, Inc.
Move One
PTS Worldwide
Radiant Global Logistics
Red Roof Inn
ReloQuest
Sabre
SAIC
Savi
SeaCube Containers
Seafarers International Union of NA, AGLIW
Sealink International Inc.
SEKO Government, Space and Defense
Selsi International Inc
Signature Transportation Group
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation
SSA Marine
St. Louis Union Station Hotel a Curio Hotel Collection by Hilton
StarForce National Corporation
Steam Logistics, LLC
Stevens Global Logistics, Inc.
Taft Law
The Hertz Corporation
The MITRE Corporation
The Suddath Companies
Thinklogical
TMM, Inc.
Toll Group
Trailer Bridge
Travelport
Triton Container
TTX Company
Uber for Business
UNCOMN
United Van Lines, Inc.
US1 Logistics
Wertz Motor Coaches
Women In Trucking Association, Inc.
WorldFuel
XLG Transportation Inc.
Xwing
NorSea Denmark A/S
North Carolina State Ports Authority
Overdrive Logistics, Inc.
PITT OHIO
Port Canaveral
Port of Port Arthur
Prime Trip Support
Trans Global Logistics Europe GmbH
UNIVERSITIES
Christopher Newport University
Saint Louis University
SUNY Maritime College
In Memoriam Francis "Frank" McDermott
It is NDTA's sad duty to inform everyone about the loss of a dear friend, statesman and truly committed American, Mr. Francis "Frank" McDermott, NDTA’s General Counsel for over 55 years. Frank loved NDTA deeply and considered his service at NDTA as service to his country. NDTA is here today, after 80 years, in large part because of Frank’s guidance and encouragement.
Frank was awarded the 2018 Joseph A. Torsani Memorial Award for Lifetime Service and Achievement by the National Defense Transportation Association. For over 55 years, Frank faithfully and expertly served 13 NDTA Board Chairmen, 10 Presidents, and thousands of appreciative leaders and members at large as the association’s General Counsel. He provided expert and timely legal opinions on matters of great importance to the association and the national defense transportation system. A member since 1968, he always maintained availability to NDTA leadership in spite of a very active, successful and time-consuming law practice. His mastery of the legal system, boundless energy, incredible memory, and keen sense of humor served NDTA with great distinction. Frank was a national treasure whose legacy made an indelible mark on the US warfighter, the transportation industry, and the defense efforts of this nation.
As Frank crosses the largest ocean of all, we will carry on with his heritage in our hearts.
Frank, we wish you fair winds and following seas . DTJ
SIKICH STARS CMMC PROGRAM
The Sikich STARS (Scope, Train, Assess, Remediate, Support) CMMC readiness program supports clients by simplifying CMMC certification and the implementation of NIST SP 800-171 for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which ultimately protects the battlefield’s warfighter.
As part of this program, Sikich assists with scoping the CMMC enclave, completing self-assessment scoring, identifying compliance gaps, completing the Plan of Action and Milestones (POAM) remediation planning, and documenting the System Security Plan (SSP). We also function as your outsourced cybersecurity and risk consulting partner, helping to guide efforts related to achieving and maintaining compliance.
WHERE HEROES SHOP WHERE HERoeS SHOP
All honorably discharged Veterans can shop tax free at shopmyexchange.com. In addition, the Department of Defense expanded in-store military exchange and commissary shopping privileges as well as MWR resale facility use to all Veterans with service-connected disabilities.
We celebrate those who always strive: to rise higher, push through every boundary, and overcome every obstacle