Meritorious Service Decorations - Military Division
Meritorious Service Cross
Awarded on: 1988-01-18
Invested on: 1988-06-01
Since his posting to Europe in 1983, Major MacKenzie has been the driving force in the development of NATO's Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System. This project fills a long-standing Alliance need, but its magnitude and complexity had previously daunted all. Although initially only a project observer, Major MacKenzie took up the prodigious challenge and through foresight, personal confidence, commitment and work, moved the project from concept to practical reality. He unilaterally effected essential studies now adopted as the only trials in the vital pre-feasibility phase; addressed needs for complex computer equipment, funding and training and galvanized moribund staff. In the process he became the project's linchpin and earned a high international reputation for effectiveness well beyond his rank and original responsibilities. Due in large part to his personal efforts, agreement now exists on the proposal between the six NATO headquarters and the seven nations involved. Major MacKenzie's outstanding professional performance of military duties at a rare, high standard has brought great credit to himself and the Canadian Forces.