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LMI Completes Logistics Information Exchange in Latvia

Exchanges reinforce procedures and policies associated with NATO-related activities.

McLean, Virginia, March 30, 2006—Dave Garner, retired Army Maj. Gen. Bill Farmen, and Bob Foelber led a four-day Logistics Information Exchange with representatives of the Latvian Ministry of Defense and several civil ministries. The exchange took place in Riga, Latvia from March 21 through March 24, 2006. Conducted by LMI for the U.S. Department of Defense, these exchanges give participants the opportunity to discuss the logistic challenges of peace support operations and inter-ministerial coordination, especially in providing host nation support or responding to other crises. Those at the recent session in Latvia also shared lessons learned from that nation’s experience in Afghanistan and Iraq and discussed alternative ways of providing and coordinating host nation support.

LMI provides these Logistics Information Exchanges to help NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP) nations. Since 1997, LMI has conducted exchanges with 19 nations, 10 of which, like Latvia, are now NATO members. For PfP countries that have become NATO members (or that still aspire to membership), the exchanges focus on using the alliance’s multinational logistics doctrine, policies, and mechanisms during peace support operations. The sessions combine formal presentations on NATO logistics and related topics and practical application exercises. For nations not actively seeking NATO membership, the assistance focuses on their logistics reform activities. During the remainder of this year, LMI will conduct follow-on activities with Albania, Croatia, and Macedonia.

LMI is a not-for-profit government consulting firm established in 1961 at the behest of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. Best known for its logistics expertise, LMI’s work now includes acquisition, facilities management, financial management, information technology, and organizations and human capital. Numbered among its clients are Department of Defense organizations and civil agencies, such as the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Postal Service.