SDDC deputies chart strategic roadmap at DTC Forum

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. — Civilian deputies from the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command’s five active-duty transportation brigades gathered recently for the Deputy to the Commander Forum, a three-day planning session aimed at sharpening long-range goals and strengthening readiness for Large Scale Combat Operations.

Hosted at SDDC headquarters, the forum opened with remarks from Deputy Commanding General Kristina O’Brien, who underscored the need for urgency and open dialogue.

“We are now able to talk through some of the changes that have come down and what that means for us as an organization as we move into the future,” O’Brien said. “This is not death by PowerPoint. This forum, by its design, is intended for a lot of discussion.”

Day one focused on operational alignment and strategic review. Staff directorates outlined key initiatives, shared lessons learned from port missions and discussed overtime strategies led by the G-3’s Terminal Operations Working Group. The G-6 highlighted communications modernization and PACE planning, while leaders examined infrastructure, detachments, and personnel distribution.

“The unique aspect about this year’s forum is getting briefings and engaging with other directorates,” said John Hanson, deputy to the commander of the 597th Transportation Brigade. “Learning how the other sections operate and seeing how everything is connected is so important. It helps us go forward in helping our brigades and battalions and being able to explain and understand the ‘why’ behind those actions.”

Building on that foundation, day two shifted toward workforce transformation and policy refinement. Updates on the command manpower standard, safety manager roles, and cyber workforce classification sparked discussion on talent gaps and organizational structure. Protection program staffing and roles were reviewed in depth, followed by a working lunch with the Command Surgeon and briefings on mobilization programs, orders, and performance management cycles.

“It’s all about building personable relationships and getting together face to face with our counterparts and staff personnel,” said Ben Waller, deputy to the commander of the 598th Transportation Brigade. “The flow of communication is just better, whereas virtually it’s hard to keep your head in the game.”

Later sessions featured data initiatives and funding strategies from the G-8 and G-6, while legal advisors addressed recent court rulings affecting hiring and classification. The day closed with a social event, offering space for informal dialogue and cross-directorate engagement.

“During a time of so much transformation and change, I think having face-to-face interaction with the DCG and headquarters staff is critical,” said Aviana Gutierrez, deputy to the commander of the Hawaii-based 599th Transportation Brigade. “It’s important to come together, share ideas and find solutions to support the various theaters, especially INDOPACOM.”

On the final day, attendees toured the Surface Operations Center and participated in briefings on mission essential tasks, quarterly training boards, and property book management. Breakout sessions covered TWCF, leave accrual, hiring freezes, PCS travel, and classification policy. A working lunch addressed legal travel implications, followed by “quick hitter” sessions on telework, recruitment platforms, and performance cycles.

The forum wrapped with a hiring board session, brigade-specific roundtables, and a final review of due-outs. Leaders departed with refined action plans, clarified priorities, and strengthened coordination across directorates.

“The end goal is to take away a lot of actions,” O’Brien said, “so we can start right away and do things to support our organizations going forward.”