By Lieutenant-Colonel Douglas Martin

It’s official! The Canadian Forces Logistics Branch is now the Royal Canadian Logistics Service (RCLS). Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada Julie Payette recognized the Royal designation on October 16, 2018, during the RCLS’s 50th anniversary parade on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario.

“We are so delighted that you regained the Royal designation bestowed upon you by Her Majesty the Queen for your excellence, your dedication and your incredible hard work,” said Governor General Payette. “You do an exceptional job that is often left in the shadows but, just like in a space mission, no mission is possible without logistics support. It just cannot happen.”

More than 400 military personnel and civilians gathered to witness the 100-person all-logistician Guard of Honour led onto Parliament Hill by the Central Band of the Canadian Forces.

“The Royal designation is an immense honour, one that recognizes your critical role in our success in protecting and defending all Canadians,” said Lieutenant-General Charles Lamarre, senior serving logistician in the Canadian Armed Forces. “Remember that you are a part of the military’s largest single service, bound by camaraderie and a shared commitment to excellence.

“Ours is a solemn duty that is critical to operational success, but often times conducted behind the scenes,” he said. “This week (you) take a rare but well deserved turn in the spotlight, and you have earned it.”

As the Canadian Armed Forces is a unified service, logisticians – both officers and non-commissioned members – may be members of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army or the Royal Canadian Air Force. They can be employed with any of the three services and experience the unique challenges associated with these environments. They may work at on a base within Canada, at a home port, or be deployed during operations.