The Official Publication of the National Defense Transportation Association

Serving industry, government, and military professionals with information that matters.

The Defense Transportation Journal (DTJ), has been the authoritative voice for military and government logistics, transportation, distribution, security, and other critical topics for over 80 years. Today, the journal has expanded its editorial coverage to include articles focused on issues and opportunities in the government and military passenger travel market sectors. The journal is distinctive in that articles are published in both print and online formats ensuring the broadest possible distribution of information important to leaders from the military, government, and industry.

TitleSpeakerExcerpt
2026PORT CC PREPARED Exercise Demonstrates Regional Readiness and Strong Interagency CoordinationDanielle HaleThe PORT CC PREPARED exercise brought together the Port of Corpus Christi, U.S. Coast Guard, government agencies, industry, and nonprofit partners to test maritime security, rescue, firefighting, environmental response, and unified command. The exercise demonstrates how sustained planning and strong relationships can improve regional emergency preparedness.
2026Beyond the Rear Area: Integrating Supply Chain, Infrastructure, and Military Logistics Under Adversarial ThreatLtCol M. Matthew PhelpsArtificial intelligence can accelerate planning, analyze complex logistics data, and provide USTRANSCOM with greater decision advantage. Gen. Randall Reed explains why these tools must complement—not replace—the judgment, experience, creativity, empathy, and ethical responsibility of the people responsible for projecting and sustaining military power globally.
2026AI vs. AI: Delivering Decision Advantage and the Power of Actual Intelligence in Global MobilityGen. Randall ReedArtificial intelligence can accelerate planning, analyze complex logistics data, and provide USTRANSCOM with greater decision advantage. Gen. Randall Reed explains why these tools must complement—not replace—the judgment, experience, creativity, empathy, and ethical responsibility of the people responsible for projecting and sustaining military power globally.
2026Powering Ports and Next-Generation Shipping with Nuclear EnergyMike PierceReliable energy is essential to ports, shipping, and defense logistics. CORE POWER examines how small modular reactors, floating nuclear power plants, and nuclear propulsion could provide resilient power for strategic seaports and commercial fleets while reducing dependence on vulnerable grids, fuel supply chains, and bunkering infrastructure.
2026Nadacs and Mesh Technology Boosts Logistics, Decisional Advantage in Ustranscom’s Turbo Fusion ExerciseRobert YonDuring Operation Turbo Fusion, U.S. Transportation Command tested its ability to rapidly activate deployment assets and maintain visibility of military cargo moving through the transportation network. LMI’s NADACS solution equipped more than 400 cargo items with mesh tags, demonstrating integrated in-transit and asset visibility capabilities for large-scale military logistics operations.
2026Pulling Together: How BNSF and the Rail Industry Answers our Country’s CallTom G. WilliamsBNSF examines the critical role freight rail plays in U.S. military readiness and argues that competition, collaboration, infrastructure investment, and network reliability are essential to defense mobility. The article also outlines BNSF’s concerns about the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger and highlights its support for military customers and veterans.
2026When Trucks, Trains, Ships, and Aircraft Become Endpoints: Quantum-Ready OT Security for DoD Transport FleetsFederico SimonettiDefense transportation systems increasingly depend on connected operational technology that creates both enhanced logistics visibility and new cyber vulnerabilities. This article examines how post-quantum cryptography, crypto agility, secure communications architectures, and modernization strategies can help protect long-lived military transportation platforms and sensitive logistics data from current and emerging threats.
2026The Steadfast Foxtrot 2026: A Sustainment WargameCOL (GS) Mario KarnstedDefense transportation systems increasingly depend on connected operational technology that creates both enhanced logistics visibility and new cyber vulnerabilities. This article examines how post-quantum cryptography, crypto agility, secure communications architectures, and modernization strategies can help protect long-lived military transportation platforms and sensitive logistics data from current and emerging threats.
2026Rebuilding Littoral Logistics: Lessons from Gaza 2024 and How to Shape the Watercraft ProblemCPT Jared McCullyThe 2024 Gaza maritime corridor exposed persistent limitations in Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore capabilities, from weather constraints and aging watercraft to interoperability and governance challenges. The authors argue that JLOTS should evolve into a distributed commercial–military network capable of supporting resilient sustainment and maneuver in contested littoral environments.
2025Debunking the Myths of Freight ForwardingJason TrubenbachFreight forwarders are often viewed as unnecessary intermediaries, but their role extends far beyond booking transportation. This article examines common freight forwarding myths and explains how forwarders provide carrier access, regulatory expertise, multimodal solutions, technology, visibility, cost efficiency, flexibility, and resilience across increasingly complex global supply chains.
2025Enhancing Lethality Through In-Transit Visibility: Countering Contested Logistics in the Department of WarMarty GrooverUSTRANSCOM is developing a modernized In-Transit Visibility strategy to improve end-to-end tracking across the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. The approach combines commercial technology, remote monitoring devices, standardized data, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and resilient communications to strengthen logistics performance and decision-making in contested environments.
2025Defending the Army Organic Industrial Base from Threats: Including Small, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)COL Christopher J. MassonSmall unmanned aircraft systems present a growing threat to the Defense Industrial Base, Army depots, arsenals, ammunition plants, and strategic transportation infrastructure. This article examines the risks posed by surveillance and kinetic drone attacks and outlines how JIATF 401, legislation, artificial intelligence, and interagency coordination can strengthen homeland defense and industrial-base resilience.
2025Railroads and Readiness: A Legacy of Service and StrengthKenny RockerUnion Pacific plays a critical role in U.S. defense logistics, moving military equipment, supplies, and other essential cargo across its rail network. Kenny Rocker explains how infrastructure investments, emerging technologies, military partnerships, and the proposed Norfolk Southern merger could further strengthen national readiness.
2025Saluting the River Rats: A Tribute to the 1099th Transportation CompanyLTC Richard Dan Hill, USA (Ret.)LTC Richard Dan Hill, USA (Ret.), recounts the history and valor of the 1099th Transportation Company, known as the “River Rats,” during the Vietnam War. From transporting troops, fuel, and ammunition through the Mekong Delta to enduring deadly river ambushes, the unit became one of the Army’s most decorated transportation companies.
2025Powering Global Deployment and Distribution – Ready, United, Decisive!Gen. Randall ReedGen. Randall Reed examines how readiness, unity, and decisive action strengthen the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise. Drawing on exercises, commercial partnerships, allied cooperation, cyber defense, sealift, patient movement, and emerging technology, he highlights the people and capabilities that enable USTRANSCOM to project and sustain forces globally.
2025Artificial Intelligence in Defense Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Optimizing EfficiencySharon LoMilitary spouses face disproportionately high unemployment, underemployment, wage gaps, and career disruption caused by frequent moves and deployments. This article examines why military spouse employment is a strategic imperative and highlights employer flexibility, MSEP, Hiring Our Heroes, SECO, licensing reform, and partnerships that can connect businesses with this valuable workforce.
2025Artificial Intelligence in Defense Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Optimizing EfficiencyLTC Matt VerdinArtificial intelligence could transform Department of Defense supply chains through predictive logistics, real-time visibility, risk modeling, automation, and improved decision support. This article examines the barriers to adoption, including legacy systems, interoperability, security, acquisition processes, and digital literacy, while outlining policy options for building more resilient AI-enabled logistics networks.
2023Southwest Wants to Be the Most Military-Friendly AirlineSharon LoSouthwest Airlines is working to simplify and improve travel for U.S. military members through enhanced booking technology, Defense Travel System integration, military boarding benefits, and expanded baggage allowances. The airline is also investing in Wi-Fi, onboard power, larger overhead bins, and operational reliability for military and government travelers.
2023Department of Defense Strategy Aims to Support Critical Facet of Defense Industrial BaseSharon LoThe Department of Defense Small Business Strategy outlines how greater small-business participation can strengthen the Defense Industrial Base, expand innovation, improve competition, and reinforce supply-chain resilience. The strategy focuses on unified management, alignment with natio
2023Impact of Constrained Lithium Supply to the US Defense Industrial BaseLTC Paul FrantzLithium has become essential to the Defense Industrial Base, powering batteries, autonomous systems, microgrids, and other military technologies. This article examines how rising demand, constrained global supply, and concentrated processing capacity could limit defense surge capability and outlines policy options for strengthening U.S. lithium supply-chain resilience.
2023Coast Guard Cybersecurity Lessons from the FieldTed RybeckThe NDTA Cybersecurity Committee examines how government, industry, and technology partners can strengthen cyber readiness across defense transportation and critical infrastructure. Drawing on U.S. Coast Guard experience, CMMC 2.0, DCISE resources, and public-private collaboration, the article emphasizes that cybersecurity must become a mission leadership responsibility.
2023KC 46 Endurance Flies Record- Breaking MissionTimothy HuffmanA KC-46A Pegasus from the 157th Air Refueling Wing completed a record-setting 36-hour, 16,000-mile mission, demonstrating the aircraft’s endurance, aerial refueling, connectivity, crew sustainment, and operational flexibility. The Total Force mission highlighted the tanker’s ability to support sustained air mobility operations and future contested missions.
2022Digital Transformation to Carry the World ForwardScott M. HopperDefense logistics increasingly depends on connecting data across carriers, ports, warehouses, suppliers, and government systems. Crowley examines how artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and in-transit visibility can improve supply-chain transparency, shipment tracking, predictive insights, and operational efficiency across Department of Defense transportation networks.
2022Together, We Cultivate Doubt in Our AdversariesGen. Jacqueline Van OvostUSTRANSCOM Commander Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost examines how the changing character of warfare is reshaping global logistics and force projection. She highlights the importance of resilient transportation networks, allies and commercial partners, fleet modernization, cyber mission assurance, data, and the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise in sustaining the Joint Force.
2022Lessons from the Field: Rallying Cyber-Readiness with USTRANSCOM and DOD’s CMMC 2.0Ted RybeckNDTA’s Cybersecurity Best Practices Committee examines how CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, information sharing, and educational partnerships can strengthen cybersecurity readiness among USTRANSCOM, DLA, and Defense Industrial Base suppliers. The initiative places particular emphasis on helping smaller businesses navigate cybersecurity assessments and evolving defense requirements.
2022Motorcoach Driver Shortage Delays DOD Training and MissionsDefense Travel Management OfficeA nationwide motorcoach driver shortage is affecting Department of Defense training, shuttle transportation, and military surface movements. The Defense Travel Management Office recommends submitting GOPAX requests as early as possible, allowing scheduling flexibility, providing detailed movement requirements, and confirming transportation with carriers 48 hours before departure.
2022A Ransomware Framework for Cyber-ReadinessTed RybeckRansomware attacks pose a growing challenge for companies across the Defense Industrial Base, especially smaller suppliers with limited cybersecurity resources. This article examines how the NIST Ransomware Framework, NIST 800-171 controls, CMMC, and public-private collaboration can help organizations strengthen cyber readiness and continuity of operations.
2022TSA PreCheck Benefit Lets You Travel with EaseTSA Strategic Communications and Public AffairsTSA PreCheck offers eligible U.S. military members and Department of Defense civilian employees expedited airport security screening for official and personal travel. This article explains eligibility, how to use a DOD identification number as a Known Traveler Number, and how to update profiles in DTS or MyTravel.
2022Learning from History to Strengthen the Nation’s Military Logistics & Distribution NetworkAlex VohrLessons from the Falklands War demonstrate that military effectiveness depends on the ability to deploy and sustain forces across great distances. This article examines U.S. strategic distribution challenges, including aging sealift capacity, commercial transportation dependence, access to ports and bases, mariner shortages, logistics exercises, and investment in strategic and tactical logistics.
2022Preserving US Army Transportation HistoryBG Gil Harper, USA (Ret.)The U.S. Army Transportation Museum at Fort Eustis preserves nearly 7,000 artifacts documenting Army transportation from the Revolutionary War to the present. This article highlights the Barge Amphibious Resupply Cargo, or BARC, its evolution into the LARC-LX, and the ongoing need to preserve historic Transportation Corps equipment.
2022Travel Compliance: Ethics Training for Industry and Government, Department of Human Resources ActivityThomas SerranoLearn how you can avoid the ethical landmines of government-industry relationships and ensure you are ready to do what is right when ethical dilemmas arise. The Department of Defense is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards for all of its employees. To do that, DoD has support systems in place to help government employees determine what is ethically appropriate or legally required of its workforce. Not your stereotypical attorney, Tom Serrano will provide both an informative and entertaining presentation of applying ethical principles from both perspectives—government and industry.
2022MyTravel Demonstration for IndustryLance JenkinsonDoD invites members of the travel industry to see a demonstration of the Department’s new travel capability, MyTravel, that will eventually replace the Defense Travel System. Content will focus on the reservation process and how vendor information, inventory and rates are displayed. Concur’s e-receipt technology will also be discussed.
2022NDTA Foundation Celebrates 60th AnniversaryLarry LarkinEstablished in 1961, the NDTA Foundation has supported transportation education, research, professional development, and scholarships for six decades. The Foundation’s scholarship program has expanded to serve students pursuing careers in transportation, logistics, supply chain, physical distribution, and passenger travel while helping develop the profession’s next generation of leaders.
2022DOD’s Logistics Agency Touches American LivesBeth ReeceFrom Cold War fallout shelters to hurricanes, COVID-19, schools, veterans, and small businesses, the Defense Logistics Agency has supported Americans far beyond its traditional military mission. The article traces how DLA combines procurement, distribution, contracting expertise, and commercial supply chains to respond rapidly to national emergencies and community needs.
2021Preparing for CMMC Compliance
2021Logistics and Distribution Catching Up with Committee Chair Shiju ZachariaThis expansive view of the transportation and logistics market segments from some of the best and brightest in the field comprises an incredible asset to DOD’s logistics leaders.
2021Transportation at the Department of Defense: The Choreography of Mission Execution Starts and Ends with TransportationIt’s a dance—what happens in the course of mission planning and execution at the Department of Defense (DOD).
2021USTRANSCOM Supports Evacuation of 124K People in Historic AirliftThe final weeks of operations in Afghanistan were marked by an airlift operation the Commander of US Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), GEN Stephen R. Lyons, USA, characterized as “herculean.”
2021Refining Civilian Airlift Augmentation for Great Power CompetitionThe new era of contested logistics offers the Department of Defense (DOD) an opportunity to reexamine its civilian airlift augmentation, the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF).
2021In-Transit Visibility and Space Domain ChallengesIntermodal In-Transit-Visibility (ITV) and asset visibility terrestrial challenges experienced by transportation professionals would translate to a space ITV-asset visibility shortfall in the emerging contested space domain, requiring mitigation to maintain Multi-Domain Operational (MDO) dominance.
2021NDTA Memberships: Time to Grow…Time to Go!We must focus our efforts on membership growth to ensure NDTA remains strong and viable for our future.
2021How has Industry and Government Responded, Adapted, and Innovated?On the final day of GovTravels, a panel presentation provided insight into ways industry and government have responded, adapted, and innovated over the past year, as well as plans to overcome and push through the friction created by COVID-19.
2021Pandemic, Innovation, and People Emerge as Key Topics at the 2020 Fall Meeting
2021TSA Continues to Ensure Safety of Travelers as Flights Increase One Year into PandemicMore than one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) remains vigilant in maintaining world-class security while doing everything possible to prevent the spread of the virus.
2021A Lesson in Determination from Duluth TravelIn a recent chat, Salus share the colorful tale of how he got into the government travel business and his thoughts on making it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021Strategic Mobility: The Essential Enabler of Military Operations in Great-Power CompetitionLTC John Fasching, USA (Ret.)Strategic mobility enables the United States to rapidly deploy and sustain military forces worldwide, but aging airlift and sealift fleets, contested operating environments, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and adversary capabilities are eroding that advantage. This article examines how modernization, commercial partnerships, prepositioning, and distributed operations can strengthen future U.S. force projection.
2021Homecoming: Supporting the Repatriation of US Citizens Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
2021Aeromedical Evacuation During COVID-19: A Joint Urgent Operational Need MetAs the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading worldwide, a Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) emerged: The need for aeromedical evacuation of COVID-positive patients.
2021Whole-of-America Approach: How Operation Warp Speed Allocated 20 Million Vaccine Doses in 2020As 2020 came to a close, Operation Warp Speed (OWS) leaders looked back on their nearly eight-month-old mission and tallied some of the milestones on the journey to get America past the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021DLA Distribution Provides COVID-19 Support to Military Services & Federal AgenciesIn support of the military services and other federal agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic, Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Distribution provides assistance as part of DLA’s long-standing agreements with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
2020China's One Road, One Belt Grand Strategy: Founded on the Weaponization of the Global Supply ChainSince its acceptance into the World Trade Organization, China has enacted its 2050 grand strategy founded on the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) and exploiting the use of smart power to gain global economic dominance.
2020Spacelift: USTRANSCOM, Space Force, and the Irresistible Rise of True Rapid MobilityA fourth mode of transportation is entering the market to compete with ground, sealift, and airlift. Terrestrial Spacelift uses cost-effective, reusable rockets to move personnel and freight across the globe via orbital launch.
2020Winning Principles for Defense Transportation Digital Modernization Strategies
2020Constraints-Based Thinking: A way to lead your organization to Breakthrough ResultsConstraints-Based Thinking is a powerful tool leaders can use to help drive their organizations to Breakthrough Results.
2020When and Why Will US Cybersecurity Resilience Get Better?
2020Business Travel is Flying High at Southwest AirlinesSharon LoSouthwest Airlines Vice President Dave Harvey discusses the growth of Southwest Business and the airline’s efforts to improve corporate, government, and military travel. The conversation covers Global Distribution System integration, Defense Travel System access, customer experience, cargo operations, technology modernization, and emerging trends across the airline industry.
2020Categorically Speaking: DTMO Category Management Initiatives
2020Sustaining the Civil Reserve Air Fleet
2020A Call to Arms – Evolving Law and Culture to Protect Our Merchant Maritime Fleet
2020Partnership Prevails at the NDTA-USTRANSCOM Fall Meeting
2020Enterprising Ideas: An Interview with Andy Taylor and Bryan Scott of Enterprise Holdings
2019USTRANSCOM Primed to Leverage Analytics and Engineering in 2020 and Beyond
2019Data Driven: How Crowley’s Innovative Technology Moves the Defense Supply Chain
2019The Supply Chain Outlook, Innovation and Challenges, and Implications for Military Transportation
2019Expeditionary Fast Transport Can Provide Logistics Support at the End of the Supply Chain
2019SDDC’s Total Force: People Are Our Strategic Advantage
2019US Transportation Command: Technology Through the Lens of Warfighting Readiness
2019DLA’s Supply Chain Security Strategy: Strengthening Operational Resiliency
2019New Tool Tackles Uncertainty in Military Logistics Planning
2019Transforming America’s Force Projection Capability: Strategic Partner Integration Required
2019The Secretary of Defense on DOD’s Path Forward, Readiness and Capacity
2019Working Together for Management Best Practices
2019Providing Context to the Government Travel Space
20192019 GovTravels Provides Value for Both Government and Industry
2019The Current State of Household Goods Movements
2019BCD Travel Expands Government Travel Services: Interview with Tracy Maier, SVP, BCD Government Travel
2019DOD Launches Travel System Prototype
2019The Value of Veterans Business Resource GroupsIf you haven’t transitioned from the military, there is a good chance you’ve never heard of a Veterans Business Resource Group. VBRGs, also known as a military affinity networks, can be extremely useful for transitioning veterans. Most can offer assistance in a wide range of areas including networking in a job search, finding a mentor to assist with the transition and aiding in navigating a new employer.
2019Gender Diversity Makes Good Business Sense
2019What is the True Maritime Deficiency that Plagues DOD Readiness?
2019Pilots of the Future
2019The DOD Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Reorganization: Insights and Updates from Ms. Dee Reardon, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Logistics
2018Economic Security is National Security
2018Industry Speaks: Perspective from the Fourth Component
2018Evolving the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise to the New National Defense Strategy
2018Big Changes in the Sealift World
2018Sharpening the Ax
2018Logistics & Transportation at the ‘Deck Plates’ – Readiness Challenges for Tomorrow’s Empowered and Agile Workforce
2018Together We Will Deliver
2018NDTA and USTRANSCOM Conduct 2018 Annual Fall Meeting
2018Adapting to the Changing Operational Environment
2018Fighting Fires from the Air
2018Go Big. Go Fast. Go Smart. Maritime Delivers After Disasters
2018Working Through Aviation Infrastructure
2018Dialogue on Highway Automation
2018Port Infrastructure Funding
2018Report on America’s Infrastructure
2018The State of the Maritime Administration: An Interview with The Honorable Mark H. Buzby, Maritime Administrator
2018Maintaining Our Maritime Force
2018The Value of NDTA
2018Government Executives Discuss the Impact of Natural Disasters and Industry Trends
2018The Future of Government Travel Takes Center Stage
20182018 GovTravels Symposium Promotes Collaboration in Government Travel
2018La Quinta Inns & Suites Embraces Military Community with Holistic Enterprise-Wide Initiative
2018DTMO Awarded Best-in-Class Designation
2018NDTA’s Passenger Travel Services Committee: Forward Focused
2018How BNSF is Leading the Way for Drone Use in Rail
2018Internet of Things, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence in the Modern Supply Chain and Transportation
2018USTRANSCOM Completes Transportation Management System Proof of Principle
2018NDTA’s Cybersecurity Best Practices Committee: A Conversation with Chairman Ted RybeckTed RybeckNDTA Cybersecurity Best Practices Committee Chairman Ted Rybeck discusses cyber readiness across defense transportation and logistics, including NIST 800-171 compliance, small-business challenges, public-private collaboration, supply chain vulnerabilities, continuity exercises, and the importance of sharing best practices to strengthen mission assurance.

Current Issue

For 75 years NDTA’s bi-monthly magazine, the Defense Transportation Journal (DTJ), has been the authoritative voice for military and government logistics, transportation, distribution, security and other critical topics. The annual Almanac edition, published each June, includes a comprehensive listing of NDTA’s government, military and industry partners and serves as a valuable resource for NDTA’s members and associates throughout the year.

All NDTA members are invited to submit feature articles, case studies and industry reports for publication in the DTJ. Articles must be educational and are accepted on a space available, rolling basis.

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