A federal audit says National Defence has excess training ammunition alongside “significant gaps” in its strategic stockpile for emergencies.
The Story
A federal audit of National Defence’s ammunition stocks found problems with both training and emergency reserves, including that only about half of the ammunition for training and exercises was actually used.
The audit suggests the shortfall reflects “overstated” requests for ammunition and planned activities being cancelled, with National Defence not tracking the reasons for “limited or cancelled activities.”
Auditor General Karen Hogan said some excess inventory could be used in an emergency, though not all training ammunition is lethal.
The audit also found the military’s strategic stockpile — the reserve for emergencies such as war — has “significant gaps” between required and actual inventory levels.
Defence Minister David McGuinty said the department is already acting on the auditor’s recommendations. The department said key equipment items such as tanks and ships were “often out of service” when needed.
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