In modern defence, logistics has evolved far beyond moving supplies from A to B. It is now about creating choices for commanders, denying advantage to adversaries and ensuring the integrated force can fight and win in contested environments.
That reality was reinforced for participants in the Defence Logistics Operations Course (DLOC), recently completed at Joint Logistics Command.
The intensive two-week program brought together 48 ADF members, Australian Public Service personnel and international partners to develop logisticians capable of operating across the Defence Logistics Network in support of joint and multi-domain operations.
Course Director Kylie O’Grady said years of performance analysis had highlighted an opportunity to better prepare personnel for the demands of integrated operations. While individuals were highly capable within their single-service environments, DLOC builds on that foundation to expand their effectiveness in complex joint settings such as headquarters, joint units and major exercises like Talisman Sabre, as well as operations.
“While we identified that people bring strong expertise from their single-service roles, this course helps translate that experience into confidence and effectiveness in joint environments,” Ms O’Grady said.
“What we’re trying to build is their ability to think broadly and creatively to synchronise and coordinate logistics functions for the integrated force.”
The program spanned national support through to theatre-level design, drawing on more than 40 senior speakers, including one- and two-star officers. Lessons were reinforced through group discussions and real-world case studies.
For Flying Officer Aaron Khongwar from Joint Logistics Unit – East at Moorebank, the course prompted a genuine mindset shift. Working on projects and contracts supporting theatre logistics, he now sees his role in a much broader light.
‘National support and logistics are critical to our ability to sustain warfighting.’
Guest speaker Air Commodore Kylie Green said: “We need to move from thinking about what we can sustain to what we can enable or deny. We win when we create choices.”
Flying Officer Khongwar said that really stuck with him.
“Logistics is about warfighting. It is about force generation and force application, giving commanders options and enabling superiority across every domain,” he said.
The professional networks built during the course proved equally valuable. Flying Officer Khongwar reconnected with an international participant he had served alongside during humanitarian assistance operations in Fiji a decade earlier.
“Ten years on, he still remembered Australia’s support and was very appreciative,” Flying Officer Khongwar said.
“These relationships matter when you need to align supply chains and operate together in the Indo-Pacific.”
Ms O’Grady said the course directly supported priorities in the National Defence Strategy.
“National support and logistics are critical to our ability to sustain warfighting,” she said.
“DLOC prepares people for the joint and integrated environments they will face throughout their careers.”
In an era of heightened strategic competition, DLOC is more than training. It delivers the logisticians needed to ensure the integrated force is ready to fight tonight, tomorrow and together.
