Editor's Perspective

As 2008 draws to a close, Military Logistics Forum offers readers a look ahead to 2009 with a roundtable discussion among a select group of top logisticians who offer their perspectives on trends in defense logistics for the coming year. With the implementation of BRAC supply and storage recommendations and the probable reality of leaner 2009 federal defense spending, DoD and DLA are working to create an end-to-end supply chain operation all about optimizing support and readiness.

Of special note, I would like to wish a fond farewell to “Provider Six,” Lieutenant General Robert Dail, as he sets sail for a post-Army horizon. As Dail relinquishes the helm at DLA, his legacy will most certainly be felt in how the agency has refined its focus on new strategies for connecting DoD with its most important asset: the warfighter.

As much as we are sad to see Dail move on, we are excited with the arrival of Vice Admiral Alan Thompson. A veteran of the DLA, he now returns as the director. We are very honored to have his views for 2009 in this issue and look forward to a more in-depth interview with him later in the year.

In keeping with DLA’s vision, this issue offers an in-depth interview with Rear Admiral Michael Lyden, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, who talks about current Navy partnering initiatives, enterprise solutions and resource opportunities. Similarly the U.S. Air Force is working to transform aircraft maintenance practices in providing enhanced repair robustness, shorter ground cycles through predictive analysis and, ultimately, increased capability in bringing critical supplies by air to the frontlines.

In keeping with the phenomenal growth that MLF has experienced in our first two years, we are again growing in 2009. We published four issues our first year, six in our second and in 2009 we are increasing our frequency to 10 issues. Take a look at the Military Logistics Forum 2009 editorial calendar on page 42.

Christian Sheehy, Editor
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