Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre Distinguished for Innovations in Training Delivery

May 15, 2023 – Defence Stories

By: MWO Brian Driscoll, CFLTC

The Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre finds itself joining a select group of units to be singularly recognised by the Chief of the Defence Staff for exemplary service.

The training establishment, located in CFB Borden, has been cited for being a leader in alternate training delivery, innovation and problem solving during the period of 2019 to 2021, and having a direct and positive impact on the Canadian Armed Forces as a whole.

Though the period of recognition predates the COVID-19 lockdowns, the majority of training innovation occurred during the period of restrictions. The Leadership, HRA, and FSA Cadres of the school initiated distance learning programs to continue training delivery and produce trained graduates months in advance of projections.

Additionally, Music Cadre instituted a comprehensive suite of online courses that proved to be so successful that it has been continued even after restrictions have been lifted and now comprises a full third of its total training. Further innovations resulted in an overall streamlining of staff requirements, improvement of training resources, and an acceleration of training for those personnel awaiting trades training post-BMQ. Overall, CFTLC employed 30 large scale initiative and six smaller ones to modernise its training delivery approach, with a further result of a cumulative monetary savings of over 1.05 M dollars. Moreover, CFLTC’s meticulous and creative approach to innovating alternate training delivery methods is now serving as model for other CAF training establishments looking to bring about similar successes within their organisations.

Formed in 1967 as a result of the Canadian Forces restructuring and integration, CFLTC provides considerable support to all organisations within the CAF. Often under the radar and behind the scenes, CFTLC’s professional and esprit de corps can be felt everywhere that its admin clerks, finance clerks, postal clerks, supply techs, traffic techs, ammo techs, cooks, musicians, and drivers serve.

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony held in from of CFLTC Headquarters at CFB Borden on 06 Apr 23, unit Commandant LCol Shawn Courty praised the members of the school. ‘This isn’t just for the unit. This is for all of your hard work over the past 2 years! You should feel proud of what has been accomplished!’

The flag that commemorates the unit commendation will fly in front of the headquarters building for 365 days, where staff and students will have a daily reminder of this honour. They can also rest easy knowing that the flag will be very well defended by the pair of Canadian geese that have taken up residence in the flower beds beneath the flagpole. While many would view their hisses and aggressive lunges as efforts to protect their nest, Logisticians know what is truly being said: ‘Bravo Zulu, CFLTC!’