/ Defense

Helping armies serve more effectively

As military personnel become increasingly professionalized, armed forces are focusing on their core activity and calling upon experienced partners to provide logistical support for combat missions abroad and day-to-day management during training periods at home.

Weapons and ammunition storage

In the United Kingdom, at Colchester, the sidearm weapons and ammunition storage are administered by Sodexo.

Logistical support for training

During training, we supply armies with everything they need to focus on their operational exercises: we handle fuel supplies for heavy and light vehicles, manage weapons and ammunition and oversee food and water provision – all vitally important in the daily life of soldiers. In Australia SSDS run and administer the Small Arms ranges and Field Firing ranges for the Australian Defense Force in North Queensland at the Mount Stuart Training Area.

Instruction centers

We are experienced in comprehensive management of military training centers, where we provide specific teaching equipment and personnel to run them smoothly.

 

In Australia and in the UK

In Australia, for example, we operate and maintain numerous athletic facilities for troops including gymnasiums, tennis courts and swimming pools under the supervision of qualified lifeguards and gym teachers. We also oversee swimming pool and athletic equipment maintenance. 

In the UK, we manage a whole range of sporting facilities: from gymnasiums, swimming pools with qualified lifeguards, fitness centers and rugby, cricket, football and hockey pitches.

Base management

Life on a military base or headquarters includes a large number of non-military activities. Establishing a single point of contact for the management of all services simplifies day-to-day management and offers economies of scale. Among the services Sodexo provides: operating childcare facilities, overseeing supplies, procurement and logistics and waste management.

 

Comfort, modernity and performance

Sodexo’s comprehensive service solution for the French Defense Ministry’s new headquarters in Paris is designed to provide a comfortable, modern working environment that promotes performance and efficiency. The 500 Sodexo employees on the site will be responsible for preparing 7,500 meals each day, managing 825 accommodation rooms and 425 meeting rooms and handling 2,000 tons of waste annually. Other services include concierge services, grounds management and maintenance of display flags.

Area upkeep

At sea or on land, armies train in natural environments. These areas, which are constantly maintained and secured, are especially developed to limit pollution and ensure that soldiers’ lives are not in danger.

 

Ensuring a safe environment

Forest and land upkeep, soil erosion, water quality, wild animal habitats and wildfire management must be taken into account in military exercises. The environment for troop training must be carefully supervised to avoid problems and risks. Our experts design environmental solutions specifically suited to military needs and are recognized for their know-how in extreme conditions.

The Australian Ministry of Defense acknowledged our expertise by entrusting Sodexo with the upkeep and management of sensitive areas such as the savanna, eucalyptus woods and marine environments adjacent to protected natural areas such as the Great Coral Reef.