Defense Acquisition University and International Society of Logistics sign memorandum of understanding: a good day for logisticians - Sole 2002—The 37th Annual International Conference and Exhibition

Program Manager, Sept-Oct, 2002 by Dr. Russell A. Vacante

During a ceremony held at "SOLE 2002"--the International Society of Logistics 37th Annual International Conference and Exposition--the Society entered into a strategic partnership with the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU, signed in Phoenix, Ariz., on Aug. 12, 2002, establishes the framework for SOLE and DAU to pursue educational opportunities that are mutually beneficial. Signatories of the MOU were Frank Anderson Jr., President, DAU; Anthony E. Trovato, President, SOLE; Sarah R. James, SOLE's Executive Director; and Dr. Russell Vacante, Curricula Development and Support Center, DAU. The MOU institutionalizes a relationship between DAU, the premier DoD acquisition training institution, and SOLE, a leading professional society in the field of logistics.

Among other endeavors, SOLE will establish the following two DAU awards:

* An annual field award recognizing a practitioner in the Acquisition Logistics certification track in accordance with the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA), Level II or III requirements.

* A field award recognizing a Level II or III practitioner in the Systems Sustainment certification track.

From a curriculum development perspective, SOLE will structure existing and future offerings of training in accordance with DAU-proscribed standards of curricula development. Accordingly, SOLE can seek and offer equivalencies or credit for Acquisition, Training and Logistics programs offered at DAU.

DAU, in turn, agreed to be a corporate member of SOLE; to work with the Society in building a liaison relationship between the two organizations; and to participate on SOLE's Educational Committee. Further, the DAU President will serve on SOLE's Board of Advisors (BOA).

SOLE's Board of Advisors

The SOLE's BOA embraces senior experts in the logistics field, including international representatives from DoD, the defense industry, academia, and commercial logistics entities. The BOA's responsibility is to advise SOLE's Board of Directors on strategic direction in the field of logistics. During this year's annual SOLE conference, Anderson attended and participated in his first BOA meeting. During this session he had the opportunity to emphasize the benefits that may evolve for the participants of the MOU as well as the defense logistics workforce and community.

Educational Panel

Anderson also participated in the educational panel on Educational initiatives in Defense Logistics, focusing on further professionalism of logistics practitioners by means of a standardized certification process. Anderson, as a leader of corporate training in DoD, provided a strategic overview of DAU training activities, emphasizing DAU as a corporate university for DoD acquisition training. He also discussed the near- and long-term goals and objectives of DAUs current logistics curricula development endeavors.

Other panel presentations included Dr. Martha C. Cooper, Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University; and Dr. John V. Farr, Professor and Founding Director, Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, Stevens Institute. Panelists discussed their institution's educational contributions to the field of logistics; their contributions to DoD; how their efforts complement each other; and how they can benefit the Society by working collectively together. The focus of discussion pertained to changes taking place in the field of logistics, and how educational institutions are meeting this challenge. The audience engaged in a robust discussion regarding these topics during and after the one and one-half hour session.

A Good Day for Logisticians

As the keynote speaker at SOLE's Annual Awards Banquet, Anderson spoke of the positive learning experience and better understanding of the important role of logisticians in both defense and industry. Emphasizing that there is no substitute for good leadership in any field to ensure mission success, he promised to provide training opportunities for those who have the task of sustaining the warfighter in times of conflict and non-conflict. As a proud member of SOLE, Anderson said he would help provide the type of leadership necessary to ensure that logisticians would receive the training and education they need to effectively and properly perform their jobs and grow in their chosen career field.

The leadership within DAU and SOLE are both eager to work together as partners to begin implementing the terms of the MOU. The strategic alliance between these two organizations is a major step toward providing needed training and education for the logistician in a rapidly changing and challenging competitive world environment.

Editor's Note: For more information on this strategic partnership, contact Russ Vacante, Curricula Development and Support Center, DAU, at Russ.Vacante@dau.mil.

Vacante is a member of the Curricula Development and Support Center, Defense Acquisition University, Fort Belvoir, Va.