Former Commander of United States Transportation Command, General (Ret.) Jacqueline Van Ovost joins The Logistics Lens for an in-depth discussion on leadership, innovation, contested logistics, and the future of military transportation.

General Van Ovost reflects on her remarkable 36-year Air Force career—from growing up in an aviation family and graduating from the United States Air Force Academy to commanding the world's largest global mobility enterprise.

The conversation explores lessons learned from the Afghanistan withdrawal, supporting Ukraine, preparing for potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific, and why logistics has become one of the most decisive elements of modern warfare.

She also discusses the growing importance of data, AI, cyber resilience, industry partnerships, and developing the next generation of logistics leaders.

Whether you're in defense, government, industry, or supply chain leadership, this episode offers valuable insight into how strategic logistics creates decision advantage and strengthens national security.

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #War

After 38 years in uniform, Lieutenant General Stephen Sklenka joins The Logistics Lens for a candid conversation reflecting on a remarkable Marine Corps career and the future of military logistics.

From Panama, Desert Storm, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to serving as Deputy Commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Deputy Commandant for Installations and Logistics, Lt. Gen. Sklenka shares lessons learned from decades of operational experience and strategic leadership.

The discussion explores the Marine Corps' modernization efforts, Force Design 2030, Barracks 2030, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, contested logistics, and the growing importance of partnerships with industry. Sklenka also explains why logistics is no longer merely a support function, but a decisive warfighting capability that will shape the outcome of future conflicts.

As he prepares to retire, he offers valuable advice for the next generation of logisticians and reflects on the leaders, Marines, and experiences that defined his career.

The future battlefield will be defined by logistics, technology, industrial capacity, and the ability to sustain combat power at scale and the leaders who understand all four will shape the outcome of the next fight. 

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#Strategy #Logistics #DefenseLogistics #MilitaryLogistics #Sustainment #Readiness

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, Vice Admiral Dion English, Director of Logistics (J-4) for the Joint Staff, discusses the evolving role of logistics in modern warfare and national security. What was once viewed primarily as an enabling function is now recognized as a core warfighting capability.

English explains how contested logistics, cyber threats, industrial base resilience, and artificial intelligence are reshaping military sustainment. He emphasizes the transition from “just-in-time” efficiency models to “just-in-case” readiness and resiliency models necessary for operating in contested environments.

The discussion also highlights the critical importance of partnerships — across the military, allied nations, academia, and industry — to maintain operational advantage. English shares how AI and machine learning are accelerating decision-making and resource allocation, while still keeping humans firmly in the loop.

Beyond technology and strategy, the conversation centers heavily on leadership, people development, and building trust-based relationships. English reflects on his career journey, mentorship, family support, and the importance of investing in future logistics professionals.

The episode closes with advice for the next generation of logisticians: remain adaptable, challenge the status quo, and continuously evolve alongside changing threats and technologies.

The views expressed are those of Dion D. English and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of War, any military service, or the U.S. Government. Mention of any organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by the Department of War. 

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, host Kevin Sampels sits down with Giovanni Tuck (“GI” Tuck) for a wide-ranging discussion on leadership, military logistics, innovation, and the future of defense sustainment.

General Tuck reflects on his unlikely path into the Air Force after initially planning a civilian tech career with Motorola, and how a spontaneous ROTC visit changed the trajectory of his life. He shares stories from a flying career that spanned nearly 5,000 hours across numerous aircraft platforms before transitioning into logistics leadership.

The conversation explores his time leading logistics at the highest levels of the Department of Defense, including his experiences at DLA Energy, U.S. Transportation Command, and as the Joint Staff J4. Tuck explains how the military balances scarce resources, global sustainment demands, and combatant commander priorities while preparing for near-peer conflict.

A major portion of the discussion focuses on lessons learned from COVID-19, including how government agencies coordinated logistics, accelerated decision-making, and built rapid-response supply chain systems under pressure. Tuck emphasizes the importance of trust, collaboration, and real-time lessons learned across government and industry.

The episode also dives into modernization efforts involving AI, predictive analytics, contested logistics, regional sustainment frameworks, industrial base surge capacity, and acquisition reform. Tuck argues that speed, trust, and commercial innovation must play a larger role in defense logistics going forward.

The interview closes with leadership advice, reflections on working with Congress and industry, recommendations for future logistics priorities, and a few lighter personal moments — including his favorite 80s band, snack food habits, and a memorable story about saving a bag of his hair after ROTC.

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

Discover the extraordinary career of Michael Morell, former Deputy and Acting Director of the CIA, as he shares behind-the-scenes stories about leadership during critical moments, the importance of logistics in intelligence operations, and the evolving threats posed by China and cyber warfare. This conversation offers valuable perspectives on national security, crisis management, and the importance of collaboration across government and industry. Key Topics:

• Michael Morell’s journey from Ohio to leading the CIA and the lessons learned along the way

• The role of logistics in intelligence agency operations and crisis response

• Inside stories from 9/11, the bin Laden raid, and briefings to U.S. presidents

• The impact of globalization and supply chain interdependence on national security

• China’s influence, the Belt and Road Initiative, and cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure

• The importance of cybersecurity and modern challenges in defending networks

• Decision-making processes for public disclosures and writing a book on intelligence

• The significance of interagency collaboration and integrating logistics in combat and covert missions

Links: The Great War of Our Time by Michael Morell - https://www.amazon.com/Great-War-Our-Time-Threats/dp/1541768504

• CIA Official Website - https://www.cia.gov/

• Michael Morell - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell

• The Belt and Road Initiative - https://www.cia.gov/news-release/2019/10/28/overview-of-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative/

• Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) - https://www.cisa.gov/

Connect with Michael Morell:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-morell

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

In this episode of The Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels sits down with Brigadier General Michael Zuhlsdorf, Director of Logistics, Engineering, and Force Protection for Pacific Air Forces (PACAF A4). From his beginnings as an enlisted Airman to shaping strategy inside the Pentagon and now executing it across the Indo-Pacific, Zuhlsdorf offers a rare end-to-end perspective on military logistics.

The conversation explores the immense scale and complexity of the Pacific theater—covering over half the globe—and the challenges of operating across vast distances, aging infrastructure, and contested environments. Zuhlsdorf outlines his four core priorities: setting and sustaining the theater, strengthening allies and partners, executing logistics under attack, and preparing Airmen for high-end conflict.

He also dives into emerging innovations like AI-enabled logistics, autonomous delivery systems, and regional sustainment frameworks that keep combat power forward. The episode highlights how logistics is not just support—but a key pillar of deterrence in today’s strategic environment.

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

In this episode, Leigh Method, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment, joins the show to discuss how the Department of Defense is rethinking logistics for a more sustainable, resilient, and technology-driven future. From forward-based sustainment with allies to enterprise-wide supply chain risk management, she shares how new frameworks and tools are improving readiness and reducing inefficiencies.

The conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and data analytics in modern logistics—and why embracing these tools is essential for today’s workforce. Leigh emphasizes that success lies in combining human expertise with AI, not replacing it. She also reflects on her career journey, offering practical leadership lessons on growth, mentorship, and navigating change. Finally, she outlines what industry must do to be a stronger partner in national defense, stressing transparency, innovation, and shared responsibility.

Key Topics & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Overview of logistics challenges and future focus

00:02 – New Sustainability Initiatives

Regional Sustainment Framework explained

Reducing repair timelines through allied partnerships

02:55 – Co-Sustainment with Allies

Burden sharing and forward maintenance

Freeing U.S. industrial base for critical workloads

04:30 – Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) Creation of SCRM Integration Center

Standardizing risk identification and response

07:00 – Managing vs. Eliminating Risk

Risk-based decision-making in logistics

Monitoring, mitigating, or accepting risk

09:30 – Emerging Technologies in Logistics

Advanced manufacturing and 3D printing

Solving obsolescence and repair challenges

13:30 – AI and Data Analytics

Unlocking insights from legacy data

Predictive maintenance and decision support1

8:00 – Culture Shift Around AI

Addressing fear of job displacement“

Human Intelligence + AI = Success”

23:00 – Career Journey & Leadership Lessons

From Air Force officer to senior leader

Embracing opportunity and growth

34:00 – The “Marathon” Framework for Success

Battle buddies, planning, adaptability

Mentorship and continuous learning

41:00 – Industry Partnership

Industry as the “fourth component”

Need for innovation, transparency, and data sharing

46:00 – Personal Insights & Closing Thoughts

Leadership style, humor, and creativity

Final advice: “Do something—don’t do nothing”

Key Takeaways

- Forward sustainment with allies can dramatically improve readiness and reduce delays

- Supply chain risk must be actively managed—not eliminated outright

- AI is a force multiplier when paired with human expertise

- Innovation in manufacturing is critical to overcoming obsolescence challenges

- Strong partnerships with industry are essential to national security

- Career success comes from adaptability, mentorship, and continuous learning

#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

In this episode, Kirk Spangenberg reflects on his Marine Corps career, from ROTC commissioning to commanding Marine Depot Maintenance Command. He shares how early combat experiences in Iraq shaped his leadership philosophy—particularly the need to innovate when standard playbooks fall short. Throughout his career, Spangenberg navigated logistics from the tactical to strategic level, including global supply chains and advanced analytics at U.S. Transportation Command.

A pivotal fellowship at Morgan Stanley transformed his perspective on data, leading him to champion data-driven logistics within the Marine Corps. As a senior leader, he drove significant operational improvements through process innovation, digital transformation, and workforce empowerment.

The conversation explores the future of military logistics, emphasizing the importance of data infrastructure, autonomy, and advanced manufacturing. Spangenberg also discusses systemic challenges—such as risk aversion and resource allocation—and highlights the role of professional communities like the Association for Marine Corps Logisticians in advancing the field.

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

Summary:

In this episode, Brigadier General Max Stitzer reflects on his nearly 40-year career in the Air Force, beginning as an enlisted airman in 1984 and rising to senior leadership. He shares how what started as a six-year commitment turned into four decades of service driven by his passion for the mission and the people around him. Stitzer walks through his early roles in intelligence and command-and-control, his transition into logistics, and how his supply chain management education supported his growth.

A major focus of the conversation is his transition from enlisted to officer after 10 years of service. He explains how this shift required him to start over, rebuild credibility, and adapt to new expectations despite his prior experience. He also highlights the importance of mentorship, humility, and embracing military traditions such as the first salute, which reinforce identity and culture within the service. Throughout the episode, Stitzer emphasizes that leadership is built through relationships, continuous learning, and a commitment to serving others.

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#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War

Key Talking Points

• Nearly 40-year Air Force career that began with a six-year enlistment commitment
• Motivation to stay in the military was driven by people and relationships
• Early career in target intelligence and command and control within fighter squadrons
• Transition into logistics and development as a generalist leader over time
• Education in supply chain management played a key role in career progression
• Transition from enlisted to officer after 10 years of service
• Importance of humility and the need to start over when changing roles
• Challenges of being perceived differently as a new officer despite prior experience
• The first salute as a meaningful military tradition that reinforces culture
• Mentorship and support systems as critical to growth and success
• Leadership as a long term process built through experience and relationships
• Advice to carefully consider motivation when pursuing the officer path

In this episode of Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels sits down with General (Ret.) Jim Slife, former Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force and a career special operations leader, to explore the critical... and often misunderstood...relationship between operations and logistics.

Drawing on 36 years of service, General Slife shares how his perspective evolved from tactical pilot to institutional leader, highlighting why mission success depends on seamless integration between operators and logisticians. He reflects on pivotal lessons from squadron-level teamwork to Air Staff decision-making, emphasizing that relationships—not org charts—drive real outcomes.

The conversation dives into the importance of realistic exercises, the dangers of “fairy dusting” logistics challenges, and how emerging technologies like AI and predictive maintenance are reshaping readiness. General Slife also offers candid insight into the complexities of defense budgeting, where every new capability requires difficult trade-offs.
This episode is a powerful look at leadership, readiness, and the future of military logistics...told through the lens of someone who’s operated at every level of warfighting.

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08:44The Importance of Logistics in Operations
15:34Building Relationships Between Ops and Logistics
20:33Enhancing Understanding Between Operators and Logisticians
29:23The Need for High Fidelity Exercises


#Strategy #Logistics #USArmy #Commerce #War