Canada: - Our boys are ready to roll 1,000 soldiers mobilized -- next stop, Afghanistan

Canadian Press via Toronto Sun ^ | November 15, 2001

[Clive]

OTTAWA -- Canada's on the move.

About 1,000 soldiers at CFB Edmonton were told yesterday to be ready to head for Afghanistan on 48 hours' notice.

Warning orders went out to members of the 3rd battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry around dinner time.

It was not clear how soon the soldiers might set out. One source said they could be on the ground as early as the middle of next week, but little is certain because events in Afghanistan are unfolding with dizzying speed.

The force consists of three infantry rifle companies, a small engineer squadron, a headquarters detachment, a combat support company, and an administrative company.

The Canadians will likely be assigned to help stabilize the war-torn country and escort aid convoys, Defence Minister Art Eggleton said last night.

But their exact duties are still being worked out because the situation is changing rapidly since Taliban forces were unexpectedly routed in the past three days.

Plans are being worked out with the U.S. army central command in Tampa, Fla., which is coordinating the war on terrorism in response to the Sept. 11 attacks on New York and Washington.

Earlier yesterday, British soldiers were put on similar notice. Canadian troops will work with U.S. and British units.

It was not clear whether the Canadians would fly to the region in C-130 Hercules transports or being carried there in U.S. air force planes.

This latest commitment brings to 3,000 the number of Canadian sailors, soldiers and air personnel earmarked for the anti-terror war.

Canada earlier dispatched five warships to the region, with another to fill in with a NATO naval squadron.

There was no immediate indication of how long the Canadians will be needed in Afghanistan.

[Phlap]

If you yanks had not elected a draft dodging pot smoking flag burning philander for eight years we might not have to put our brave men and women in harms way. Tanks a lot.

[Valin]

Will Geraldo be coming in with them?

And if she is could please leave him there?

[SgtSki]

Ease up & learn some history before you go off. I met Canadians in the US Army who signed up for Vietnam! They're OK in my Book. Love the VAN DOOS: had a great time up at the Citadel in Quebec City.

[xJones]

I don't know about Dave "the hammer" but he sounds like one tough Canadian.

My sole vacation into Canada was in Alberta at Banff. We visited around and it was beautiful. What hit us was how clean the cities are and how down-right decent the locals are. Calgary Stampede, all that....great memories. I hear British Columbia is even more beautiful and am looking forward to visiting Vancouver.

[IW]

I would say welcome aboard to Canada and any other country that wants to pitch in. I was always taught that when wading in a river and everything is going just fine, but then you step off in quicksand, you don't examine the rope that's been thrown to you. Your just damn glad someone was there to throw the rope.

[RWG]

Canada is not even a real country, heh? A few years ago they couldn't even get a few Indians off of a bridge, you know.

[Phlap]

After some investigation it was discovered that we built the bridge on their land. But then it is all their land isn't it.

[uglybiker]

Our boys are ready to roll 1,000 soldiers mobilized

Okay, uh...Before we go, eh, we just wanted to know somethin'.

Will there be beers there, or will we hafta bring our own, eh?

[BluH2o]

For all you nay sayers ... the CDN armed forces may be small, but are very professional and well trained. Particularly in cold weather combat ... their army troops, when deployed in winter conditions, often time strip to their waist ... and clean up using snow. With the onset of the Afgan winter just a few weeks away Canadian troops will feel right at home.

[culpeper]

Now everyone wants to get involved when the gettins good.

[BluH2o]

When friends reach out to help, most people are appreciative, but I guess there's no pleasing some arrogant SOB's.

In reading thru some of these posts denegrating the CDN armed forces I'm embarrassed as a FReeper by their ignorance ... arrogant too, but ignorant is more applicable.

[Elihu Burritt]

And if Canada were part of the US there would be no one guarding the borders.

[Dr. Luv]

I'm always astonished that fat, armchair quarterbacks, stomachs hanging over their keyboards can take cheap shots at men who are going to put themselves in harms way.

The PPCLI have a reputation of being extremely well trained and tough as nails. I for one appreciate Canada's continued support of our country and would like to apologize on behalf of the mouthy supercilious endomorphs that besmirch your reputation.

[Dr. Luv]

"Why don't you worry about the cesspool which is New York and let the real men fight the war"

Real men like you - an armchair quarterback who disgraces true conservatives everywhere? I think not my little pipsqueek doughboy...

[Hazzardgate]

Scuse me, I could be wrong, didn't ATTA et al waltz right into America through the front door?

[Dr. Luv]

"Making fun of socialist Canada is the essence of conservatism"

Sad proof that not all Freepers have an above-average IQ...