Canadian Forces In Very Bad Shape, Report Says

Canadian Press | 9-26-01 | John Ward

[My Favorite Headache]

Wednesday, Sep. 26, 2001

Canadian Forces in very bad shape, report says

By JOHN WARD-- The Canadian Press

OTTAWA (CP) -- Amid a world girding for a war on terrorism, the Canadian Forces are in sad shape, unable to fight against the best and win, a major defence group concludes in a new report.

The army can field little more than company-sized units of 150 or so in a crisis and the navy and air force are falling short in their responsibility to guard the airways and sea lanes while meeting overseas commitments, the Conference of Defence Associations says.

The conference, an umbrella group representing a variety of defence-oriented organizations, is to release the damning report, entitled Caught in the Middle, on Thursday. It cites a litany of military shortcomings and calls for at least $1 billion in new defence spending over each of the next five years.

"Today, the Canadian Forces could not (as required by the 1994 white paper) 'fight against the best and win' beyond a marginal level," the report says.

The Forces are short of money and trained manpower to the point where the army would not be able to field a brigade-size contingency force within 90 days as required by the white paper, the conference says.

"The army is not sustainable under the current circumstances."

The report says the army can't even maintain its 1,800-member contingent in Bosnia if it wants to modernize and be able to respond to any other crisis.

The navy is so short of sailors that one of its destroyers is tied up for lack of a crew.

"The navy will not be able to deliver its mandated level of maritime defence capability without additional resources."

The air force has a pilot shortage that is bound to get worse before it gets better.

"The air force is 'one deep' in many areas and has lost much of its flexibility and redundancy."

The group says the title of the report "implies that the Canadian Forces currently inhabit the worst of two worlds: conventional military capacities are in decline; new capabilities are unaffordable."

The conference blames government stinginess for the troubles, despite modest increases in defence spending in recent years.

"Canada spends only $265 per capita on defence. The NATO average is $589."

The defence minister's office refused to comment on the report. Defence Minister Art Eggleton, who was in Brussels attending a NATO meeting, wasn't available.

The report gives the Forces a failing grade when it comes to the ultimate test of any military: the ability to fight.

"The low level of collective training, the unsatisfactory state of some weapons and equipment and the lack of logistics support would make engagement in combat operations problematic without resolving those shortfalls."

As Canadians wonder what military help Canada might provide to the U.S. in the war on terrorism, the report states:

"The situation will not improve until Canadians and their government realize that the cost of effective armed forces is the price of doing business in the modern world.

"Nations, particularly those in the G-7 group, who shirk their duties in this respect may anticipate unfavourable treatment in the international economic domain."

[Bad~Rodeo]

the RCAF helped us out in WW2....forget?

[DoughtyOne]

Guys, before we start slamming Canada, let's review our own military. It's about 50% of what it was eight years ago. I could care less about Canada's military. I happen to care a whole lot about our own. And all I hear from Washington is that now we won't cut any further. Strangely lacking is any talk of restoring our military. I don't know about you, but that pixxes me off!

[calmseas]

Don't pay any attention to those guys. Canada is the best freind and neighbor we have in the world. After New York, I'd consider any patriotic Canadian to be my brother.

[JohnD9207]

This is a sad thread indeed. While I believe their forces are in poor shape because of the socialist programs which rob the country of its wealth(free medical care isn't free indeed), on a unit level some of the best soldiers I ever met were Canadians. Back in 85 we had a little exercise in El Paso and I spent some time with the Canadian paratroopers. Geez man for man they were tough son's of Bitche"$. Good soldiers, loyal and were mission focused. I know most of these posts to take over part of Canada are in jest, geez they are good folks, in spite of their government. If it was necessary to turn to them as friends for help I am sure what ever help they sent would be as tough as those guys I spent time with. We have worse allies in the world, the gutless French, the Germans who will never send troops to aid our cause (too far to move the beer tents). Oh well, just thought I might add a note here that might lend itself to the discussion. Not a Flame at all. God Bless America. John Danforth SSG (Ret) USA

[ProudGOP]

Hey, meathead, it ain't funny...if it was your country, you wouldn't laugh, would you?

You know what the really ironic thing is? If it wasn't for the US, you guys couldn't afford all of your socialism. National Defense is expensive.

[Bad~Rodeo]

Takes time to get the funding approved and to re-build what Billy bob Clinton did. Thank him for ALL the cuts next time you see him......

[habs4ever]

Join the crowd that would like to see that done.We are a parliamentary democracy, so all those looking in from the outside can't do jack about the refugee and immigration problems.

[My Favorite Headache]

The number bandied about is THIRTY FIVE THOUSAND Canadians went to Vietnam and to this day have officially never been recognized by their own government for that duty. >>>>>>>>>>>

Now that is just a downright crime. The Vietnam Vets absolutely do not get the respect they deserve in North America.Makes me sick.

[Bad~Rodeo]

Germans or Japanese can't have an army bro...Thanks for your Service to our Country...

[headsonpikes]

Thank you, and not only the RCAF.

In winter 43/44, Canada had well over 1.1 million in uniform, 10% of the population, highest of any nation.

Canada is far more prepared now than in 1914 or 1939(we start our wars early, maybe even now). Capiche?

Ever play hockey? We're always ready for effin' battle.

Ignore those dorks in Ottawa and on the CBC. The rest of the country is crazier than you boys! LOL!

[classygreeneyedblonde]

Hello and welcome to Free Republic.........;)

[habs4ever]

Of course not, but you can say that about almost every country that likes to be a friend to the US.That's why you are top dog.But, do you want us to have 1,000,000 strong army, with ample armour? Think again.It could make many of you very nervous to know that your neighbour has that.

[mathurine]

The Mathurine is old and remembers Dieppe, and other things.

[tbeatty]

We'll take care of Canada. No worries. They just need to implement border controls to the outside world so that when foreigners come to Canada, they're subjected to the same stringent checks that we put them through <\sarcasm>

[Bad~Rodeo]

Thank you.... and I have NO DOUBT that Canada WILL do what is necessary to help us Fight Terrorism...

[willyone]

You got something against vaginas? Personally I find them to be rather entertaining. And the good old USA sure has it's share also.