# Central team flexes ingenuity to overcome year of challenges 

/ Published Dec. 13, 2023

The Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services team in the Central region has seen its share of change over the last few years as the region reshapes without Afghanistan in the equation. Throughout 2023, the Central team witnessed major steps in hazardous waste removal, equipment and facility upgrades as well as a shift in personnel.

One of the most notable developments within the region took place in Qatar with the completion of a $1.2 million construction project. Taking best practices learned throughout the region the site provides full service operational capabilities to the country and will be a model for other future expeditionary field sites.

This is only one example of ingenuity set forth by the region, as the successful hazardous waste removal project in Iraq put on display the resourcefulness and resolve of the DLA Disposition Services Central team. Al Asaad and Erbil Air Bases created a need for the removal of roughly 300,000 lbs. of hazardous waste ranging from lead acid batteries to waste cleaning compounds. Despite adverse physical conditions of heat and rough terrain, Central team managed to successfully remove and transport all the hazardous waste material to Jordan for sea transport to a safe disposal facility.

“There were many challenges associated with this mission,” Director of Central Region Dave Flietstra said. “Those challenges were overcome by a team willing to work outside the box. The continuing efforts in this process will add value to anticipating future project needs and set a precedence for forward support to the warfighters in the region.”

Flietstra and his team have grown accustomed to supporting the warfighter in this manner – through new and innovative methods. And with a recent change to personnel, they anticipate continued support to the region will become more cost effective and increase efficiency.

“The restructure of the command element creates stability that this region has not had in the past with rotating leadership,” Flietstra said. “The Director-C2 [command and control] relationship with the major subordinate command is critical to operational efficiency and effectiveness along with coordinating support for personnel equipment and facilities.”

Flietstra went on to say the creation of a true operations officer billet allows flexibility for the region to have an experienced commissioned officer who can handle a variety of missions outside of strictly property disposal operations.

Iraq and Qatar were not the only sites to see significant improvements as some of Kuwait’s most vital equipment underwent major upgrades. Multiple material handling equipment – which are critical to operations at the Kuwait site ­– underwent refurbishment. The equipment was at the end of its service life and instead of an outright – and costly – replacement of each piece of equipment the staff determined refurbishing would save 50-60% of the cost.

Personnel not only coordinated the refurbishment of this equipment they also did so without halting or slowing down operations. Through great planning and teamwork, the Kuwait staff managed to avoid any operational shortfalls and saved approximately $2.4 million through this refurbishment program. This was just one example of Central solving a problem creatively and effectively.

“We have developed and implemented numerous innovative solutions that both improved processes and increased efficiency for our sites,” Flietstra said. “The fact that we were able to come together and work through so many challenges as a team is the greatest accomplishment of the year.”

But the top priority for Central region is not creating efficiencies or saving money – it’s the people who make up the team – and keeping each one of them as safe as possible.

“We want to maintain an impeccable safety record for the upcoming year, directly improving our commitment to the welfare of our personnel,” Flietstra said. “Safe work practices allow for smooth and efficient operations in support of the warfighter. It is important to continue regional safety vigilance because being safe protects our vital assets of personnel, equipment, and facilities.”

As 2023 nears an end, DSD Central uses past lessons learned to excel in present operations and prepare for future challenges.

“DSD Central must be able to maintain flexibility as the region in which we work undergoes significant adjustments,” Flietstra said. “Things will be different in our region a year from now and we want to be in step with the warfighter which will allow us to continue our world class property disposal support.”