According to some researchers, Walmart is *more* efficient than the US Military’s logistics system - partially because they have less regulations and paperwork.
I don't doubt it. I'd also imagine they're far more cost-effective, because cost is part of their calculations from the start, where the military starts from the assumption that their work is life and death, costs be damned, and then tries to streamline operations and cut costs as a secondary concern.
Political considerations loom large. If the military bought emergency clothing from China or produce from Mexico, some folks would be up in arms. Wal-Mart doesn't have those restrictions.