Legal Definitions - Defense Logistics Agency

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is a critical organization within the U.S. Department of Defense. Its primary mission is to provide comprehensive logistical support—meaning the management of resources, supplies, and equipment—to U.S. military forces worldwide. This support is crucial for military operations during both peacetime and conflict. Additionally, the DLA extends its services to assist other U.S. government agencies operating internationally.

• Example 1: During a major military exercise in a remote desert region, U.S. Air Force fighter jets require a constant supply of specialized aviation fuel, spare parts for maintenance, and even specific types of lubricants. The DLA would be responsible for procuring these items from various manufacturers, transporting them through complex global supply chains, and ensuring their timely delivery to the airbase supporting the exercise. This demonstrates the DLA's role in providing essential logistical support for military missions during peacetime operations.

• Example 2: When a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier strike group is deployed for an extended period in a foreign ocean, its thousands of personnel need a continuous flow of provisions, including food, toiletries, and medical supplies. The DLA coordinates with suppliers and manages the intricate process of resupplying the carrier and its accompanying ships at sea, often through complex underway replenishment operations. This illustrates the DLA's function in ensuring military readiness and sustainment for forces operating globally.

• Example 3: A U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission operating in a developing country needs a reliable source for office supplies, secure communication equipment, and even specialized vehicles to navigate challenging terrain. The DLA can leverage its existing global procurement and distribution networks to source and deliver these items, ensuring the USAID team has the necessary resources to carry out its humanitarian and development work. This highlights the DLA's broader mandate to support non-military U.S. agencies operating overseas.