Commander's Blog

Leaders from throughout the command met to discuss the U.S. Army Medical Material Development Activity's future strategic plan on March 31. Over the last three months, we have been reviewing other organization's strategic plans within the Military Health System, and have been preparing for our strategic plan development. We identified four major initiatives and the work has begun to shape these initiatives, develop objectives and measurable metrics. A draft strategic plan will be published in the next 30 days. Our current plan is to roll out the final product this fall during a stakeholder event. Work on these initiatives and subordinate tasks will begin immediately and in many cases are continuation of tasks we have already been doing.

USAMMDA's mission continues to develop and deliver quality medical solutions to protect, treat and sustain the health of our service members, with our vision to be the premier developer of world class military medical solutions. As we focus on moving forward towards our vision, we hold true to these values:

Selfless Service: In our daily mission we put the welfare of the nation, the Army and our subordinates before our own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. This basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each of us within USAMMDA to go a little further, endure a little longer and looks a little closer to see how he or she can add to the effort.

Respect: This is a basic tenant in the Army's values and is also one we hold dear in USAMMDA. Quite simply, this is to treat people as they should be treated. Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people. The Army is one team and each of us has something to contribute.

Collaboration: In USAMMDA our mission depends on this basic value of collaboration. We must create a culture of collaboration to open more possibilities through working across the spectrum of our stakeholders and customers to produce medical solutions for our warfighters. Collaboration cannot be deployed, but it must be embraced, starting with me, and includes collaboration throughout the different parts of USAMMDA.

Integrity: It is our moral and legal responsibility to do what is right, even when no one is looking. It is our ability to hold together and act in responsible manners, and to preform our duty to provide medical solutions. Integrity also encompasses the values of courage, honesty, responsibility, accountability and openness.

Lastly, but far from least, we value innovation. Innovation in our business is vital, within the lanes of regulatory guidance and laws. But it is more than innovating new ways to meet our mission; it is also the required follow-through to action.

We also focused on four major initiatives that we will begin to develop objectives and measures for in the upcoming months.

Our first initiative is to initiate streamlined USAMMDA wide business processes and systems to integrate business management, operations and Command Support.

Second, we will implement adaptive and responsive acquisition management practices across the life cycle to shape the research, development and fielding of medical solutions for the warfighter.

In addition, we will strengthen FDA Regulatory Management excellence and accountability to enhance oversight of FDA Regulated research and development, reduce risk and ensure delivery of safe and effective medical products for the warfighter, as required by law.

Last, but far from least we will enhance our communication efforts to clearly explain USAMMDA missions, roles and responsibilities to both our internal and external audiences.

As we look forward and prepare our battle space for the future, your continued input and dedication to our mission is recognizable in all we do and I deeply appreciate each one of you and your collective contributions to our vital mission.

The future looks bright.

COL William Geesey