Defense logistics agency begins massive downsizing.

• Position: From the National Defense Blog

The agency in charge of providing the military with everything from rifles to eggs is preparing to significantly downsize its operations.

Vice Adm. Mark Harnitchek, director of the Defense Logistics Agency, said the demand for much of the commodities DLA purchases is declining in tandem with the US. drawdown from Afghanistan. The trend mirrors the reeling in of logistics supply chains in the wake of every major U.S. war.

"In terms of the history of the military, this is really no different than what you see at the end of every conflict," he said. "We're going to be a lot smaller in terms of our people, our infrastructure, our inventory and our financial footprint. We have to be ready to significantly improve support at a whole lot less cost."

DLA is the contracting agency for all the military's basic supplies, from weapons to fuel, and everyday items such as silverware and sandbags. Before the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the agency sold $18 billion to $20 billion worth of supplies to the military services. Sales...