German Army Outsourcing Logistics?

According to the German news, the Bundeswehr is currently accepting proposals from contractors to outsource its logistical operations to the tune of around 3 billion euros. A similar article in English notes that

The Army hopes to save some €100.0 million per year by outsourcing logistics services. It is anticipated that the Army would initially tender basic logistics services such as storage and transport of weapons and ammunitions, in a tender worth €800.0 million.

According to reports, logistics providers are to submit their proposals this week, with more formal tenders following in 2008. Press reports suggest that Deutsche Post’s DHL and German rail operator Deutsche Bahn with its logistics subsidiary Schenker, are in competition for the tenders.

While this is not the first thin to be outsourced (previous examples include clothing and non-military vehicles), it is interesting given that the German Defense Minister has called for a large increase in Germany’s logistical capabilities to support current and future global military operations. Is the Bundeswehr looking only to save money or to further it’s reach? I can just imagine a yellow DHL truck driving through Kabul to deliver boxes of ammunition.