Canada moves to 2% GDP end of FY25/26 - PMMC

[CadNav]

By itself, no it wouldn't.

In my opinion what needs to happen is first of all a change in the terms of service respecting primary reserve service. I would propose three classes of service "M - mandatory, V - voluntary and C - operational"

Mandatory would be limited by regulation to the completion of DP1 training of two two-month summers (July and August) and a winter session of 10 x 2.5 day weekends (Fri evening to Sunday evening) from September to June. Once DP 1 is completed Class M training is limited to the ten weekends and a 16.5 day summer exercise in August (again Friday evening to Sunday evening) for 41.5 days annually for unit collective training. Schedules for that would need to be posted a year in advance so that proper arrangements with one's employer and family can be made. Units would not be allowed to increase Class M training beyond 41.5 days nor deviate from the schedule. This would be fully funded. Additional voluntary training would also be available for other courses and duties for those who want it.

Individuals would enroll for a set period of years - sufficient to complete DP1 training as well as a minimum of two or three years of obligatory service to pay the government back for the money and effort spent on their training. Thereafter re-enlistment bonuses would be offered for additional terms of obligatory service. No voluntary release is available during this time frame.

S 294 would be removed and s 60(1)(c) would be changed so that any period of Class M training is subject to the CSD so that missing it is subject to a charge under s 90(1) AWOL, in the case of major or multiple or repeat occurrences or as a service infraction under QR&O 120.03(f)

Have I thought about what this would do to recruiting - sure I have but I'd rather have 15,000 trained Class As in 30 useable battalions than a 30,000 person rabble in 135 useless ones. IMHO, recruiting would not be negatively affected if properly sold with full summer employment as well as education benefits to draw in students in high school and on the verge of college or university. These folks want help with their education and at the rates of pay available now would do very well if guaranteed full summer employment with minimal commitment during the school year.

There's a lot more to it in my book "Unsustainable at Any Price" but don't go out and buy it. I'm currently doing a major revision to it as the 3rd edition which should be out in about a month or so.

I was thinking about this too, and in a perfect world, where everyone were competent, this would work great. In the reserves, you'd get a whole lot of people getting sent to Club ED for no reason.

They should bring back the CFAT. Now the only bar of entry is a grade 10. I know people who passed grade 10 who are literally illiterate. That would be the first step to raise the quality of soldiers. Also, the interview is something that can be failed. If you should up to your interview in sweatpants and a wife-beater, how are we gonna expect you to do section attacks, you can't even get dressed!!!

 

[Eaglelord17]

And that attitude pervades the higher ups way of thinking and that's why the army reserve has never amounted to anything since the 1950s and never will.

The problem is your expecting full time commitment from part time workers.

Many civilian employers are not flexible. I fight with my company just to take my son to sick kids let alone trying to convince them to give me a ton of weekends and specific time periods off. If it was mandatory for them they just wouldn’t hire Reservists.

Obviously since the Reserves is a part time gig they need a full time (or at least somewhat decent part time) paycheque to survive unless we decide to pay them enough to make it so their alternate job isn’t needed.

There also needs to be a voluntary off ramp for them due to life’s commitments. Maybe make post service sup res for a specific length of time a thing but forcing 100% commitment for set length of time for a part time job that is all over the place is a non-starter for anyone who has reading comprehension. And those who failed to realize it will not be happy when they do and it starts to mess with their lives.

Generally I like the idea of a mandatory yearly commitment. Just when you’re no longer able to meet the commitment you need to be able to release.

As an employer I don't buy this- two weeks extra weeks off and 10 short Fridays - all unpaid- is not that a crazy ask and wouldn't be a barrier to employing someone good- provided they're mature about how the approach their paid time off/ attendance otherwise.

Hell- between increased hold out/ quarantine protocols at daycares, snow days, and the increased demands of competitive youth sports it doesn't seem like a crazy ask at all

Really depends on the employer. I have had employers who would be just fine with it. I have had some that would simply refuse. Many don’t work just Monday to Friday.

At the end of the day you go where the money is because thats how you survive. Mandatory inescapable service is forcing people to choose between jail and survival.

 

[suffolkowner]

At least 2½ tons. That's the lowest Mercedes offers the Zetros. It's considerably larger than the LSVW.

They also have a 6x6 version that is perfect for the MSVS role.

And obviously we need more than 1,500. Maybe add a zero to the end.

2.5T jesus thats not much are they not putting a 13.5 T axle on the thing? I know youre only running singles but still

 

[dapaterson]

Step one would be for the Army to commit to training dates a year out, to permit soldiers to plan.

Commitment goes both ways.

 

[suffolkowner]

The problem is your expecting full time commitment from part time workers.

Many civilian employers are not flexible. I fight with my company just to take my son to sick kids let alone trying to convince them to give me a ton of weekends and specific time periods off. If it was mandatory for them they just wouldn’t hire Reservists.

Obviously since the Reserves is a part time gig they need a full time (or at least somewhat decent part time) paycheque to survive unless we decide to pay them enough to make it so their alternate job isn’t needed.

There also needs to be a voluntary off ramp for them due to life’s commitments. Maybe make post service sup res for a specific length of time a thing but forcing 100% commitment for set length of time for a part time job that is all over the place is a non-starter for anyone who has reading comprehension. And those who failed to realize it will not be happy when they do and it starts to mess with their lives.

Generally I like the idea of a mandatory yearly commitment. Just when you’re no longer able to meet the commitment you need to be able to release.


Really depends on the employer. I have had employers who would be just fine with it. I have had some that would simply refuse. Many don’t work just Monday to Friday.

At the end of the day you go where the money is because thats how you survive. Mandatory inescapable service is forcing people to choose between jail and survival.

We stopped hiring hunters because we had too many guys wanting to take time off in the busiest time of the year lol
Its not an easy thing to manage

 

[IKnowNothing]

Really depends on the employer. I have had employers who would be just fine with it. I have had some that would simply refuse. Many don’t work just Monday to Friday.

That's fair, but your words were: "would likely kill any full time job opportunities" which is objectively different than potentially limiting the topline list of fulltime job opportunities by ruling out the relative few that are structurally incompatible (Seasonality and weekend heavy) and those run by inflexible assholes.

 

[Maxman1]

2.5T jesus thats not much are they not putting a 13.5 T axle on the thing? I know youre only running singles but still

I think only the 8x8 Heavy model is getting that, but I could be wrong and they might both have that.

Light:

Heavy:

Even at 2½ tons, it's big.

 

[PrairieFella]

The Heavy is getting an AHSVS style fuel pod so it can take at least 15000kg on the back. I hope they buy a shit ton of them.

Link to the fuel pod brochure online - fyi it opens a pdf directly.