Army parks big and little trucks in order to keep tanks on the road

OTTAWA – The Canadian Army has parked some of its big trucks and smaller transports in an attempt to save money.

Defence sources say the decision affects up to half the army’s so-called B-fleet, including heavy and medium trucks used to transport troops and equipment, as well as support vehicles, such as ambulances.

Military records indicate there are a total of some 6,800 trucks among the affected fleets.

National Defence confirms the move, but an official says it involves vehicles too expensive to maintain and due to be replaced.

The spokesman would not say how many vehicles were being mothballed.

The sources say the commander of the army, Lt.-Gen. Marquis Hainse, presented the strategy at recent command council meeting.

The savings are apparently being plowed back into keeping the army’s fleet of armoured vehicles, including Leopard 2 tanks and light armoured vehicles, on the road.