As the use of the private sector in supplementing military operations continues to grow, commercial contractors play a central role in military logistics support. However, questions are still raised regarding the employment of private business: What is the specific role of the contractor in the twenty-first century? What benefits does CLS bring? To what extent should we use private business? And what does the future hold for CLS?

By analysing international perspectives on the use of private contractors, as well as considering recent experiences in the Gulf and world-wide, SMi’s 5th annual conference on Contractor Logistics Support promises to answer such questions, as well as providing an insight into the future direction of CLS policy frameworks.

Welcoming you with KEYNOTE OPENING ADDRESSES from:

• Robert L Moore, Deputy Director, Logistics & Security Assistance, EUCOM
• Jane H. Lute, Assistant Secretary General, Office of Mission Support, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations

• Brigadier Ian Copeland, Assistant Chief of Staff, Logistics, HQ Land Command, Ministry of Defence, UK
• Brigadier General Jean Verhaeghe, Head, Logistics Division, Joint Defence HQ, Ministry of Defence, France

• Colonel Christopher Thurrott, Commander, Canadian Forces Joint Support Group
• Donald Trautner, Program Manager, LOGCAP, US Army
• Captain Ricardo Vallespín, Capability Manager (Manoeuvre), European Defence Agency
• Paul Martin, Assistant Director, MoD Partnering Support Group, Ministry of Defence, UK
• Dr Derek S Wright, Director, Derek Wright Associates

Chaired by:
Brigadier (Ret’d) Charlie Hobson, Chief Executive, Royal Marines Association and Military Adviser, BAE Systems Insyte

* subject to final confirmation

Contractor Logistics Support will allow delegates to:

• EVALUATE the main issues driving current and future CLS practices
• NETWORK with leading decision-makers and industry experts
• DISCUSS the role of the contractor today and implications for its employment in the future
• REVIEW case studies detailing experiences from military and commercial perspectives
• ANALYSE contractor protection and accountability by examining key legal issues