(Chapter 2-Support for Overseas Deployments-National Defence)
Ottawa, 6 May 2008-National Defence has been able to deliver its equipment and supplies to troops who need them in Afghanistan, but only by overcoming supply chain weaknesses with hard work and dedication, says the Auditor General of Canada, Sheila Fraser, in her Report tabled today in the House of Commons.
"The Canadian Forces' mission in Afghanistan is the largest overseas deployment since the Korean War. The supply chain needs to respond faster to more demanding situations," said Ms. Fraser.
The audit found that shortcomings in the supply chain have contributed to delays in moving supplies to Afghanistan. The supply system does not provide enough information to track the arrival and whereabouts of ordered supplies, which has resulted in losing track of some items needed for operations.
The audit also found that some key equipment has been difficult to maintain because of spare parts shortages.
The Report notes that National Defence is working to improve the supply system so it has better information on whether stocks are available and supplies are arriving when needed.
The Report also notes that a growing number of contract personnel have been needed to meet all the demands for maintenance and other services that keep operations going.
"So far, the military has been able to adapt and adjust so that operations have not been significantly affected. But unless the problems we found can be resolved, National Defence could have increasing difficulty supporting the mission," said Ms. Fraser.
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The chapter "Support for Overseas Deployments" is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.
For more information, please click here.
