Logistics and the movement of people and materiel are at the center of every military operation – whether that be regional, national or global. When he walks into work, Mark Davis, deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development and Command's Logistics/G4 department, reflects on the significant role his team plays for the Army.

"General Dwight D. Eisenhower once stated, "You will not find it difficult to prove that battles, campaigns and even wars have been won or lost primarily because of logistics," said Davis.

Davis and the logistics department at USAMRDC lead many efforts that advise and strengthen strategic and operational Army readiness. These include supporting the extensive processes, resources and systems involved in materiel and personnel transportation, sustainment and deployment that help move global Army readiness in more ways than one.

Recently, more than 5,328 pieces of excess equipment valued at $33.5 million were successfully turned in, supporting the Army's logistics audit readiness. Globally, by joining forces with the Department of the Army G-3/5/7, USA Tank-automotive and Armaments Command and the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, the team delivered 10 new vehicles to MRDC forward laboratories in Thailand and Africa to support mission viabilities in those regions.

"The logistics mission for MRDC has global implications, as what we do is significant in service to this nation," said Davis.

Among readiness efforts, skilled Soldiers and civilians drive the MRDC logistics mission forward. More than 302 logistics professionals are a part of the command's logistical Career Programs, which include Supply Management, Quality and Reliability Assurance, Materiel Maintenance Management, Quality Assurance Specialist [Ammunition Surveillance], Ammunition Management and Transportation and Distribution Management.

One aspect the logistics department prioritizes is putting people first, along with their personal and professional development goals. More than 20 logistics professionals at MRDC recently took advantage of leadership and logistics training at locations including the Army Logistics University, George Washington University, Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University. Davis refers to this investment in MRDC's people as a way to "build the bench."

"I enjoy leading the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics/G4 because I am given the opportunity to work with some great logistics professionals who stand at the center of planning and executing the MRDC global logistics mission," said Davis.

One logistician at the center of MRDC's global logistics mission is Capt. Sean Kirley, who serves as the acting deputy for the department. He finds logistics to be a rewarding mental challenge, with his time commanding the 51st Medical Logistics Company teaching him that, in many ways, the logistics mission starts and ends with people.

"Every bandage, surgical instrument and medical equipment maintained and supported by logistics sets the conditions for our medical providers to be successful," said Kirley.

Several members of the MRDC logistics team were honored during a celebratory luncheon at Fort Detrick on June 28 as part of National Logistics Day. Staff at the celebration shared similar perspectives with Kirley on what the logistics mission means for MRDC.

"The support provided by logistics enables MRDC's medical research labs to create amazing lifesaving equipment and supplies that give our Service Members a better chance at survival," said Kirley. "Our work directly correlates to all the amazing advancements that MRDC has made and to every life that has been saved."