The Royal Logistic Corps and Forming Corps

The Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) was formed on 5 April 1993. The RLC provides essential logistic support and services to the British Army wherever it is in the world. In peacetime and on operations it is the Corps' job to support the movement of servicemen and women to where they need to be-whether by land, sea or air-and to store and deliver the essential equipment and supplies that the Army needs to do its job, from Challenger II battle tanks to food ration packs.

Logistic support is essential to the success of any operation - after all if the Army does not have the fuel, ammunition or rations it needs to keep it going, it is powerless to do its job.

The RLC currently numbers 16,000 soldiers and officers, amounting to 16 per cent of the British Army. The Corps is the fourth largest business concern in the UK, with the largest fleet of light and commercial vehicles in Europe and the largest range of stores, spares and clothing under single management.

Without the vital services and skills of The RLC it would be impossible for the Army to do its work properly.

Therefore wherever you find the Army in the world you find The RLC. Soldiers and officers of The RLC are currently deployed in the following locations: UK and Northern Ireland, Germany, Cyprus, Kosovo and Bosnia, Canada, USA, Belize, Falkland Islands, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Afghanistan, Brunei and Nepal. The RLC was formed from the amalgamation of five "Forming Corps" comprising of the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC), Royal Pioneer Corps, Army Catering Corps and the Postal Branch of the Royal Engineers. All had antecedents and a long tradition of service to the Army and the Crown. There are brief outlines of the history of The RLC's Forming Corps on other pages : RASC and RCT, RAOC, RPC & ACC