Guest: Jeremy Lajeunesse, formerly Lieutenant-Colonel and Commander of the 25th Canadian Supply Depot, National Defense
Written by: Claudine Fyfe, President of Fynlam
Did you know? Modern logistics has its roots in military terminology. The term “logistics” comes from the Greek LOGIC (mathematics) and LOGIS (housing). This legacy highlights the critical role of logistical planning in supporting military operations, ensuring the survival and efficiency of troops in the field.
Military logistics is as demanding and intricate as its counterpart in the private sector. However, practices within National Defense must continuously evolve, as modernization and innovation are crucial for national security.
The Logistics Environment of the Canadian Armed Forces
The Canadian Armed Forces operate one of the largest military depots in the country. This facility employs 192 personnel and manages over 195,000 unique items (SKUs) of all kinds, with a total value exceeding $4 billion.
Established in 1942 during World War II, these depots are a vital component of the supply chain. They oversee the reception, distribution, and delivery of goods essential for military operations. Despite the scale and complexity of this network, every element must be managed with precision to ensure resources are available at the right time and place, in line with strategic priorities.
Suppliers and the Drive for Internationalization
The Armed Forces rely on two types of suppliers:
- Those specializing in military-specific needs.
- Those providing general commodities through the global market.
Canadian companies are increasingly moving toward internationalization to meet the military’s requirements. This trend reflects the need to expand national production capacity for specialized equipment while remaining globally competitive.
For instance, during the ongoing training mission in Latvia (since 2015), the Canadian Armed Forces sourced common commodities such as petroleum products and fresh rations from local suppliers. This highlights the importance of adapting to local realities in international operations.
The Complexity and Daily Challenges of Military Procurement
The 25th Supply Depot processes around 500 requests daily, a number that fluctuates with global contexts and missions. To manage these operations, the Programmed Response System (PRS) centralizes and optimizes requests.
Routine shipments are primarily transported by land or sea, while sensitive or urgent goods are moved by air.
Risks and Mission-Specific Sensitivities
Military operations inherently carry significant risks, such as ensuring confidentiality. In Afghanistan in 2009, for example, transporting explosives on hostile routes required rigorous protection measures to prevent theft and safeguard troops.
Technological Challenges in Procurement
Planning for military equipment acquisition often spans decades, imposing substantial constraints on procurement strategies. Military assets must evolve alongside technological advancements while adhering to strict safety standards.
Current priorities include accelerating capacity renewal and modernizing supply chain infrastructures. This includes innovations in robotics, automating distribution centers, and streamlining authorization processes.
Long-term investments are also essential in areas such as anti-air systems, naval fleet renewals, and fighter jet replacements.
PERSONAL NOTES
I am grateful to the Canadian Armed Forces for connecting me with Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Lajeunesse. Generous with his 20 years of expertise, Jeremy is a passionate professional who unveiled the fascinating world of military procurement.This encounter highlights a domain where supply chain management is not only a cornerstone of defense but also a field of innovation for experts like Jeremy. Through this rich dialogue, it becomes clear that supply chain leaders play a pivotal role in ensuring the operational and strategic success of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Don’t miss this eye-opening episode! (french version only)
