I joined in '88, and there seemed to be more people joining for the experience and "fun" to be had, rather than for the money, as it seems to be now. IMO, there are too many people in now that stay in because the money is very good compared to what it used to be like (pay wise). In other words, people stayed in in spite of the bad pay because they enjoyed it, or were stupid ;D
There seemed to be a lot more esprit de corps in the "good old days" and yes, the fitness level was much better all across the board (from what I remember). The super high standards that we have now pretty much allow anybody to join and/or stay in (was my sarcasm very evident????). The prevailing attitude for pretty much everything is to achieve the minimum standard, and leave it at that. People are completely satisified in passing the 13km rucksack march in 2hrs 26min 20secs thinking that that makes them good to go for war fighting. Ummmmm, I don't think so. I can't wait until the AFS (Army Fitness Standard) comes into full swing if/when they ever sort out the "trench digging" and ammo can lift. Lot's of deadwood will be told to buck up. More than likely there will be a barrage of calls to the Ombudsman with many tears shedded. The alternative of getting in shape and sweating and making an effort seems to elude a good deal of people..... Path of least resistance...... Gets planes in the air, but makes the Army spiral further into shite.
I think some things have improved over the years (support for injured troops, quality of life, etc), but it has also made a lot of people soft, thinking that if they don't like what they are told, they can keep whining and moaning until they get their way. The example of postings springs to mind......
Another example of something I don't like about the current direction the CF is taking is the awarding of awards, medals, commendations for nearly anything. I think that some people (in Ottawa) won't be happy until every single member of the CF has a chestful of medals, pins, clasps, etc. I call this the Americanization of the CF. The latest example is the Campaign Stars, which are being issued for the "air war" in Kosovo (Op Allied Force)and ISAF. We had a cook in Bosnia in 2000-2001 who got a commendation (Land Forces Commander's I think) for working 2 weeks straight. WOW!! Another guy in Edmonton actually earned his commendation for rescuing people from a burning apartment building, but I guess the cook doesn't see the irony of his. Pop quiz: What's the hardest course in the CF? Times up!! The answer: Cook..... nobody's ever passed!!!!!
Anyway, I think the pendulum is actually starting to swing back to the old ways, with people getting pissed off at the shit-state that the Forces are in, and people want to make a change. I think it may be too little, too late, because there are going to be a huge number of people pulling pole over the next few years, and there will be a manpower/leadership crisis. I know of a lot of guys from my era who are getting out at 20 rather than beating their heads against the wall until 55 (years of age), or even 25 years in . I'm thinking of staying in (until 25.... make the pension a nice even 50%),but there are days that 20 years looks like plenty.
Hopefully there will be members of the younger generation that can see the folly of some of the initiatives that were taken during their formative years, push that crap aside, and get back to the business of soldiering, and not "managing" soldiers and that other civilian-speak nausea we have been living with. I know that I have run afoul of some of these huggy-kissy policies (the whole SHARP issue, diversity trg, etc) and they have made me question the wisdom of ever joining, but for every person that plays the system to their benefit (crying harrasment, racism, gender equality), there are at least 5 more that just want to do their job and make a difference, be it in their community, province, country or overseas. That's the only thing that gives me hope the CF of the future.
BTW, there really isn't any requirement to hit soldiers, but there are times that I wish that the system allowed people to "sort out" problems like the good old days. Too many people were bullies and rose to power through intimidation and violence, rather than leadership, but now people can get away with pretty much anything without the worry that they may be picking up their teeth with broken fingers..... The swearing thing is kind of a non-issue in most units, as long as you don't use F*&* as every other word. Even in the "bad old" days, most guys knew enough not to swear like a sailor when dealing with the media or the public. As far as training goes, it seems that most trades/elements/schools are trying to improve the training, but get hamstrung when the beancounters get involved. You can only trim so much fat from courses before you start getting rid of the meat.......
Anyway, I feel moderately better after that rant :threat:. Hopefully things improve, but the results from the last election probably dictate otherwise..... A lot of promises towards the CF, but I think that cheque is definitely in the mail.....
Al