# Joint Reserve Force reaffirms commitment to DLA at annual summit

/ Published Dec. 7, 2016
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
DLA Land and Maritime’s Joint Reserve Team hosted their annual summit for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps to emphasize their supply and logistics support capabilities. 

The Dec. 2 Joint Forces Operational Summit at the Defense Finance and Accounting Service Conference Center on Defense Supply Center Columbus highlighted achievements from the previous year while setting new goals for the future of the reserve forces.

During her opening remarks, DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. Michelle Skubic reminded the attendees that global warfighter support is constantly progressing – and with it, the demands of both active and reserve components. 

“I’ve watched firsthand an evolution of our forces over the past 15 years, and I’ve seen how much the OPTEMPO (operational tempo) has increased,” Skubic said. “I’ve seen how committed our troops are to their mission and how much more dedicated they are each day.”

Some of that dedication is apparent in the accomplishments of the Joint Reserve Force at Land and Maritime. In fiscal year 2015, reservists working with specialists in DLA’s Counterfeit Detection and Avoidance Program (CDAP) reviewed more than 200 contracts.

The CDAP allows for additional scrutiny for items within a supply class that includes parts such as microcircuits or electronics identified as being high-risk for counterfeiting. The value of the contracts reviewed by the team of reservists had a combined value in excess of $3 million.   

DLA Joint Reserve Forces (J-9) Director Navy Rear Adm. Deborah Haven said the reservists at DLA represent a diverse source of talent and professional experience in their collective fields and are eager to learn new skills. 

“During the last workplace climate survey, the results showed that our reservists have a strong desire to be more involved in executing the commander’s strategic plan,” said Haven. “They’re focused on warfighter support, and they also want to be involved in special emphasis and resiliency programs.”

Currently, the reserve team is comprised of 35 reservists with expertise in a wide-range of acquisition and logistics support areas. They provide assistance with contingency operations, operational and surge support, and mission planning support. 

The Joint Reserve Force performs a minimum of two weeks of annual training and 48 inactive duty training periods (24 for Air Force augmentees). This equates to approximately 38 workdays (26 for Air Force reservists) each fiscal year. 

“Over the years I’ve seen the impact that reservists have had, but more importantly I’ve witnessed an evolution in the appreciation from the American people for the capacity, the capability, and the unique skillset of our reserve forces,” said Skubic.

Several members of the Joint Reserve Force team received special recognition at the summit for contributions during the previous year. Rear Adm. Haven presented coins, medals, and plaques to outstanding members of the reserve force. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Eric Chitwood received a Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Marine Capt. Nicholas Cushion received a Joint Service Commendation Medal. Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Smith was announced as the DLA Reservist of the Year.