Revamped DLA Troop Support Academy integrates interactive learning and modernization for largest class yet

The Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support welcomed its largest-ever class of 92 new hires to a newly revamped, highly interactive Troop Support Academy, Oct. 27-29.

The three-day orientation program is designed to give incoming employees a deeper understanding of the agency's global mission and the warfighters they support through briefings from leaders in the supply chains, support offices and military personnel.

Led by the Command Support Office, the academy pivoted from traditional lecture-based briefs to an engaging curriculum focused on modernization, data acumen, and collaboration across the agency's core supply chains: Medical, Subsistence, Clothing and Textiles, and Construction and Equipment.

The transformation was driven by input from previous sessions, according to Kimberly Maund, CSO analyst and program manager.

"This class was a complete revamp of Troop Support Academy," Maund said. "Based on some of the feedback we got from previous classes, we found out that some of our students were getting these briefs multiple times by the time they got to us. So, we decided we needed to pivot and added a lot of interactive learning sections, which was well received."

Maund collaborated with senior leaders across all supply chains and directorates to integrate interactive learning, data acumen, and Super Intelligence concepts directly into their program briefings. Students were also divided into teams to practice supporting complex operational scenarios-such as coordinating emergency responses to hurricanes and planning logistics for military arctic missions. Senior leaders also shared personal insights, advising the group on what they wished they had known on their very first day on the job.

"In the end, I hope they were able to connect the dots about what they do and how important it is to the warfighter," Maund said. "I hope they were able to make new relationships with people outside of their supply chains or directorates… and that they understood they have the resources and support within the organization to aspire to become the future senior leaders."

A major highlight of the academy was a full-day field trip Oct. 28, to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The excursion offered employees a first-hand look at military operations and the real-world impact of their logistical support.

During the tour, attendees walked through a cargo warehouse, medical clinic, the base fire department, and aircrew life support facilities. They also received a tour of a KC-46 Pegasus refueler aircraft.

For employees like Brandon George, a contract specialist, working at DLA Troop Support Europe and Africa in Germany for six months, he said the trip and visit to the Philadelphia headquarters provided invaluable perspective.

"It's been really nice to come to Philadelphia and to be able to see the headquarters," George said. "We talk about it all the time in Germany, so just to have a picture in my head of what it looks like and to learn what all the different offices and teams do was great. The curriculum from Troop Support Academy was very good, I learned a lot."

George, an Air Force veteran, noted the unique value of the field trip.

"The tour of the Joint Base was very cool," he said. "The fact that we were able to see, firsthand, the impact we have on the warfighter. I was in the Air Force, so I've seen C-17s, C-130s, I've seen all the fighters, but I've never seen a refueler close-up. So, it was great being able to tour the KC-46."

The academy concluded with remarks from senior leadership, emphasizing the critical connection between civilian support and frontline defense.

Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Kelly, DLA Troop Support Commander, expressed his pride in the workforce's dedication and praised the active engagement of the new class.

"I can't tell you how blessed I feel to be a part of this team," Kelly said. "What I was instantly struck by when I got to Troop Support, was the dedication this workforce has with completing the mission. The pride that you take every day and in every action you take. 'Warfighter first,' isn't just a slogan here. I do feel like the workforce feels like they're a part of the fight."

Kelly emphasized that the hands-on nature of the revamped academy, particularly the base tour, is essential for translating daily office tasks into strategic military readiness.

"My hope is, what you saw yesterday really helped connect the dots and inspired you, that what you do everyday matters," Kelly told the class. "Whether it's in competition, day-to-day operations, or when you transition into crisis. So, thank you for everything you do."