Rotational assignment bridges functional expertise, enterprise leadership at DLA

Watching the auditorium and overflow areas fill to capacity to watch Defense Logistics Agency senior leaders brief the workforce in the most recent DLA Town Hall, Sequoia Smith felt a clear sense of validation in her professional growth.

For the previous four months, Smith had served as the project manager overseeing the end-to-end execution of this agencywide event while participating in the DLA Enterprise Rotation Program. She said the event's success affirmed her decision to step outside her comfort zone and highlighted how experiential assignments deliver immense value to individual employees and the broader agency.

"Seeing the immense turnout triggered a massive 'aha' moment," she said. "I realized I felt genuinely confident."

Before stepping into the front office, Smith built her career as a contracting professional at DLA Energy, advancing from a GS-7 to a GS-13. While successful, she noted that staying within the comfort of a familiar routine made her question her readiness for broader challenges

"On paper, I excel in my role. But internally? I was struggling with professional confidence," Smith said. "While contracting is vital to DLA's global mission, I wanted to broaden my perspective and understand how our puzzle piece fit into the larger enterprise."

Motivated to bridge that gap, Smith applied for a rotation in the Director's Strategic Initiatives Group during fiscal year 2026.

Charles Barber, DLA's director of DLA Human Resources, explained the Enterprise Rotation Program is one of the most important investments the agency makes in future leaders.

"It gives employees an opportunity to broaden their perspective beyond their home organization, better understand how DLA operates as an enterprise, and return with new relationships, experiences, and ideas that strengthen both their teams and our agency," he said.

The SIG is responsible for synchronizing strategic messaging and preparing the agency's three-star director, vice director, and senior enlisted leader for critical engagements. For Smith, stepping into executive-level operations meant confronting deep-seated apprehensions about high operational tempos, public speaking, and broad networking.

"If I had fully understood the underlying skill gaps I was going to be forced to confront, I might have let fear stop me from applying," Smith said. "I am profoundly grateful that I didn't."

She related how during her first briefing with the DLA director, nerves took over to the point where her hand shook visibly, preventing her from taking legible notes. Rather than hiding her anxiety, Smith chose transparency and shared the moment with her teammates.

Her openness unlocked significant support. The SIG team stepped in with constructive guidance, mentorship and connections to an extended network of former rotation participants who continue to serve as trusted advisors across the agency.

"Being in the SIG for this rotation was nothing short of transformative, both personally and professionally," Smith said. "This is not a worst-case corporate internship where you make copies and go on coffee runs. The SIG team throws you right into the fire, empowering you to own high-visibility projects from start to finish."

That growth contributed to the successful execution of the agencywide town hall and continued with each new project.

"Orchestrating this project for the director of an agency of about 25,000 people - and seeing it succeed - validated stepping out of my comfort zone to connect daily technical efforts to the big picture," Smith said. "It proved this program gives you a real seat at the table."

Smith emphasized that excelling in enterprise-level assignments does not require mastery on day one, but rather curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a collaborative spirit.

"Stepping away from my familiar lane was intimidating, but embracing the challenge of the SIG rotation gave me the exact push I never knew I needed," she said. "Sometimes, taking a leap into the unknown is the best way to accelerate your own growth."

Aligned with DLA's Strategic Plan and the "People" imperative, the DLA Enterprise Rotation Program builds organizational agility through experiential learning. The program is open to employees in grades GS-11 through GS-15, with centrally funded travel and per diem for assignments lasting three to 11.5 months. Nominations are submitted each fall for assignments beginning early the following year.

Employees interested in enterprise rotation opportunities can contact Carolyn Smith at [email protected] or Patricia Proctor at [email protected]. Questions regarding the Strategic Initiatives Group rotation may be directed to [email protected].

Editor's Note: This article includes elements of AI-generated content, reviewed for accuracy by War Department employees.