Our Dry Cellar

Logistics matter. Col (Ret’d) John Conrad led the National Support Element during the heaviest fighting in Kandahar in 2006. His well-written analysis of his experiences from the Afghan War argues that the Army must pay much more attention to logistics in both the Regular and Reserve forces. Most important, he demonstrates why logisticians must be fighters first, technicians second, as his troops became. Only then will they be able to operate effectively on future battlefields. A genuinely important book for our planners to study. * J.L. Granatstein, author of Canada’s Army: Waging War and Keeping the Peace, 3rd ed. *
As the maxim goes, amateurs focus on strategy or tactics, professionals focus on logistics. Military history usually is weighted towards battle and kinetic activity. John Conrad details in this important work expert fashion why logistics is critical to military success. I would encourage everyone who is interested in military affairs and specifically in our operations in Afghanistan to read this important book. * Sean M. Maloney, professor at Royal Military College and author of The Cool War *
Our Dry Cellar is a powerful book that could only be written by John Conrad. At once a personal memoir of a soldier/scholar and his time in command of the National Support Element supporting Task Force Orion in Afghanistan in the first half of 2006, it is also a reflection on action that captures important lessons for any contemporary logistician seeking to support combat operations with extended lines of communication. It serves as a rallying call to modernize combat logistics within the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Canadian Army in particular … Relevant and timeless lessons abound in each chapter, offering powerful insights into both the conduct of field logistics, and the exercise of command at multiple levels. This is a solid contribution to our collective understanding of logistics in war and a worthy addition to Canadian military historiography. * Brigadier-General (Retired) Tod Strickland, MSM, CD, former deputy commanding officer of Task Force Orion *

“What about logistics?”, is a key question asked by every commander, especially those about to go into action. Sadly, it is a topic not well covered in the general literature. This makes John Conrad’s book essential reading. It provides a uniquely Canadian perspective on the issue, written by an experienced combat veteran who knows what he’s talking about. Though centred on his experiences in Afghanistan, Conrad’s narrative ranges far and wide, from the world wars, through Korea, peacekeeping missions, and the impact of Unification to provide needed context on the state of Canadian army logistics in the 21st century. Highly recommended.

John Conrad is a retired Canadian army officer with over three decades in uniform. He is the author of What the Thunder Said and the critically acclaimed Among the Walking Wounded. He presently works as a senior executive in the Alberta government and lives in Hastings Lake.

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