Army generals gather to discuss global logistics

By Lisa Simunaci (AMC)February 25, 2016

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The U.S. Army Materiel Command conducted the Army Senior Logisticians' Summit here Feb. 24-25, bringing 40 general officers together with warrant officers and sergeants major to focus on the future.

The more than 80 senior leaders focused on policies, processes, roles and the impact current challenges will have on future capabilities. The group of logisticians comes together twice a year to discuss the direction of logistics support.

AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via said this year's summit was crucial as the Army seeks to maintain readiness while facing a shrinking force and unpredictable budget.

"We brought together senior logisticians from across the Army to talk logistics and sustainment support to the Army and our joint partners in order to make pivotal decisions within the next few years," Via said. "Face-to-face interaction is critical as we consider how best to meet future requirements."

One of the top focus areas was ensuring the European Theater has the support it needs to improve deterrence and respond to crisis. U.S. Army Europe Commander Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges provided an update on U.S. Army Europe operations and the work with NATO allies and partners. A central component to discussions was the AMC-managed European Activity Set and its future roles and purpose in Europe. AMC recently expanded the set to support increased training opportunities in eastern European countries.

"The task of our 7,500 Army logisticians is absolute," said Col. Ed Burke, U.S. Army Europe's deputy chief of staff for logistics. "We must anticipate and provide for the sustainment needs of the USAREUR warfighters. Whether assigned, rotational or future forces, this responsibility is enduring but the opportunity to improve logistics capabilities and strengthen the NATO alliance is now."

AMC's Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics Maj. Gen. Clark LeMasters said the summit was outstanding.

"Logistics generals, command sergeants major and warrant officers focused on Army readiness around the world in support of U.S. forces and our allies with a heavy focus on Europe," LeMasters said. "It was a great two days of learning and discussion."

For attendees, the information exchange proved useful and provided opportunities for feedback.

"This is an important forum because the Army really is the foundation of Joint Logistics," said United States Transportation Command Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons. USTRANSCOM provides support to all military services, defense agencies and other government organizations.

Topics spanned AMC's portfolio, from innovative science and technology to equipment and supplies.

"The Army Senior Logisticians' Summit was timely and on point," said the Army's Senior Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer 5 David Williams. "We had great discussion and information on the current threat, lessons learned and the way ahead for sustainment operations in support of Army Readiness."

Command Sergeant Major Ed Bell of the 1st Theater Sustainment Command said the summit provided a great venue to develop solutions through professional dialogue and sharing best practices across the global military environment.

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U.S. Army Materiel Command