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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, SES Leigh Method, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment, joins the show to discuss how the Department of War 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode, Patrick Kelleher, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Material Readiness, discusses the evolving role of logistics in modern warfare and national security. Drawing on decades of military leadership—including commanding battalions in Fallujah and contributing to Operation Warp Speed—Kelleher explains how the Department of Defense is modernizing sustainment across weapon systems, munitions, and supply chains.

In this episode, Kevin Sampels interviews RADM (Ret.) Doug Noble on his journey from Navy logistics officer to defense industry leader at KPMG. Drawing from his experience with the Defense Logistics Agency DLA, Doug shares how military logistics lessons apply to today’s complex supply chain challenges. The conversation explores how artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming logistics through better forecasting, faster decision making, and improved operational efficiency.

How does the military move everything - from fuel and food to advanced systems - across the globe, often under pressure and in contested environments? In this episode of The Logistics Lens, we sit down with Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mark Harnitchek, former Director of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), to explore the critical role logistics plays in national defense and global operations. Harnitchek shares insights from his career in the U.S. Navy, including his unexpected path into logistics, his transition from submarine service to aviation logistics, and the lessons he learned leading one of the world’s largest supply chain organizations.

In this episode of Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels sits down with Alan F. Estevez, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Materiel Readiness and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security. From starting as a GS-5 intern to shaping national policy, Estevez shares lessons on why logistics is central to military strategy...not just a support function.

In this episode of Logistics Lens, Lieutenant General (Ret.) John Sullivan shares insights from decades of experience leading complex military logistics operations. From mentorship and leadership development to managing high-pressure decisions in global operations, Sullivan reflects on the lessons that shaped his career. He discusses the critical role of U.S.

In this conversation, Vice Admiral Andy Kyte discusses his extensive career in logistics within the UK Ministry of Defense, emphasizing the importance of relationship building, modernization, and the integration of AI in logistics. He shares insights on balancing work and personal life, his responsibilities as Chief of Defense Logistics and Support, and the necessity of collaboration with industry and academia to overcome challenges in logistics.

In this episode of Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels interviews retired Lieutenant General Tom Miller, discussing his extensive career in the Air Force, insights on leadership, the importance of technology in logistics, and the misconceptions surrounding the logistics community. The conversation highlights the significance of relationships, agility, and weapon system health in military operations, as well as the need for senior leaders to embrace technological advancements to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

In this episode, Lieutenant General Mark T. Simerly discusses the evolving mission of the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in the context of national security and modern warfare. He emphasizes the importance of logistics as a strategic priority, the impact of COVID-19 on public awareness of logistics, and the role of technology and data in enhancing logistics operations.

In this episode of Logistics Lens, Kevin Sampels sits down with Lieutenant General (Ret.) Mark Faulkner to explore how leadership, education, and collaboration shape the future of military logistics. Drawing on more than three decades of service and his current role as President of the Institute for Defense and Business (IDB), Faulkner shares why developing people is the most critical investment the defense community can make.

The conversation covers the transition from military to industry, the impact of COVID-19 on supply chain awareness, childhood experiences and their influence on leadership development, the role at Salesforce and industry specialist responsibilities, advancements in digital transformation and logistics challenges, and the importance of testing and wargaming capabilities in logistics. The conversation delves into the critical themes of data sharing and collaboration, emphasizing the importance of transparency and trust in sharing data between government and industry. It also explores the challenges and strategies for operating in a contested environment, highlighting the need for preparedness and resilience in logistics operations.

The conversation covers the career evolution of Brigadier General Jeff Kent, his role as the Director of Logistics at UCOM, the use of AI in contested logistics, and the implementation of quantum computing at Army Materiel Command. The conversation delves into the topics of deterrence through diplomacy and the concept of logistics as a weapon system. It also explores the barriers to innovation in the Department of Defense, providing valuable insights into these critical areas of military strategy and operations.

The conversation with Joe Brooks covers his career journey, the core intent of the Regional Sustainment Framework (RSF), overcoming the tyranny of distance, establishing critical sustainment hubs, the influence of RSF on DLA's posture decisions, direct interaction with combatant commanders, and contested logistics and RSF's contribution. Joe Brooks shares insights on the evolution of logistics and the challenges faced in the current environment. The conversation covers the enhancement of operational flexibility through the RSF, challenges of data sharing, the future of RSF, and personal well-being and reflection. The RSF enhances options for resupply, dynamic operations, and plays a key role in deterrence. Data sharing faces barriers but has made progress, with a focus on future advancements. The future of RSF involves a shift to a multilateral approach and a network effect. Personal well-being and reflection are emphasized, with a focus on managing stress and advice to a younger self.