# DLA Land and Maritime successfully completes week long Agency Management Review

/ Published Aug. 15, 2019
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
A team of more than 30 subject matter experts completed an intensive, week long internal review at the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime at Defense Supply Center Columbus’ to identify best practices to apply across the agency.

                Senior Leadership from DLA Land and Maritime gather in the Land and Maritime Command Conference Room for their daily AMR briefing. The briefings covered multiple directories and focused on areas of vulnerability to improve overall program and operational performance for the senior leadership taking part in the AMR.                            DLA Land and Maritime Conducts 2019 Agency Management Review                            Senior Leadership from DLA Land and Maritime gather in the Land and Maritime Command Conference Room for their daily AMR briefing. The briefings covered multiple directories and focused on areas of vulnerability to improve overall program and operational performance for the senior leadership taking part in the AMR.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Michael RowlandVIRIN: 190809-D-RE244-037The August 5-9 review covered operations across a myriad of functional areas, including human resources, readiness, finance, training, acquisition management, strategic planning and others.

The 2019 AMR was kicked off with welcoming remarks from DLA Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer. Palmer, expressed his optimism for this year’s review and thanked all of those who were taking the time to participate in the AMR.

DLA Chief of Staff Kristin French and DLA Director of Logistics Operations U.S Air Force Maj. Gen. Allan Day from DLA Headquarters joined the contingent of DLA Land and Maritime senior leadership taking part in the AMR.

This year’s AMR marked the third year of the DLA Headquarters implemented, enterprise-wide initiative. The initiative was created to provide a comprehensive, cross-functional evaluation of Major Subordinate Command compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures of the organization.

The initiative is led by DLA Logistics Policy and Strategic Programs and covers multiple departments that allow HQ senior leaders to identify areas of vulnerability to improve overall program and operational performance

“I’m very proud of the team here at Land and Maritime,” said French. “Security support, fire and safety, environmental and real property are really difficult areas with unique challenges and you did a great job in these areas.”

Additionally, the AMR is designed to isolate trends and identify best practices across the agency while strengthening DLA’s overall performance. The review provides a mechanism for DLA to isolate and respond to critical operational concerns to ensure sustained auditability.

                Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer greets DLA Chief of Staff Kristin French as she arrived at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Aug. 8 to  join the contingent of DLA Land and Maritime senior leadership who were taking part in the 2019 DLA AMR.                            Land and Maritime Commander welcomes DLA Chief for Agency Management Review                            Land and Maritime Commander Navy Rear Adm. John Palmer greets DLA Chief of Staff Kristin French as she arrived at the Defense Supply Center Columbus Aug. 8 to  join the contingent of DLA Land and Maritime senior leadership who were taking part in the 2019 DLA AMR.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Michael RowlandVIRIN: 190808-D-RE244-008“It’s about looking in the mirror seeing what we look like and not forgetting that as we move forward,” said Day.

“This is where we get better as an agency; we’ve seen some areas that we need to improve on, which leaves us the question, will we improve? Great job to everyone here, it’s a real honor to be a part of this team,” Day concluded.

The reviews are beneficial to the agency in a number of ways that align with DLA’s strategic mission. They contribute to process excellence by identifying the best qualities of each MSC, followed by the implementation of those practices across the enterprise when applicable.

DLA leadership draws on AMR conclusions to improve its focus on people and culture by identifying areas where training can be strengthened.

Palmer told the review team during the August 9 exit conference that he appreciated their input during the review and flexibility throughout the busy work week.

“I think we had a fair and extremely effective review this week,” Palmer said.  “The AMR is a key and critical aspect of our enterprise wide risk management operations. It provides us with real impactful assistance by providing another ‘set of eyes’ and opportunity to improve. It allows us to be more effective for the warfighter and accountable to the taxpayer.”

Palmer specifically drew attention to DLA Land and Maritime’s ability to effectively collaborate and communicate on complex issues as being a key factor in the agency’s ability to make the necessary adjustments and improvements.

“Let me be clear, this is not small work from an operational standpoint.  Land and Maritime is a $3.7 billion a year operation with personnel assigned to 31 locations, and with 28 tenants on DSCC most of which are not DLA, making this review time well spent,” added Palmer. “I see us as the envy of many of the people out there in DOD and federal government.”

Palmer wrapped up the week long AMR review by declaring, “From this day forward it’s important to take the information we’ve gathered from the AMR and weave it into our improved processes.”