Divining the right role, capabilities, structure, and Regimental System for Canada's Army Reserves

[dapaterson]

That's my understanding too. If I have it right, the PRes is authorized right now at around 27,000 but falls far short of those numbers. That makes 30,000 somewhat of a Chimera in my books.

Assuming that those numbers are close to accurate then what is the plan for the extra 3,000 authorized positions? - assuming they can be generated and the numbers maintained? Being the cynic that I am, 3,000 more PRes positions translates into another 500 Class Bs in Ottawa.

Last I looked the actual number of positions was about 50% more than the authorized strength - so say 45,000 positions, with GoC direction to have 30,000 people.

 

[markppcli]

Canada’s new government is rebuilding, rearming, and reinvesting in the Canadian Armed Forces - Canada.ca

Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister of National Defence David McGuinty announced Canada’s plan to increase and accelerate its investments in defence.

www.canada.ca

So 30k reserves, I think we can do better, especially with budget increases, we wouldn't even need to create units just increase units existing from say one Coy to two in some cases. Which I think is warranted to double the PRes to 60k as domestic ops are happening more and more requiring more rotating man power while also augmenting the regular force.

We could increase them all to ten coys and it wouldn’t make a difference if no one wants to join.

 

[PrairieFella]

We could increase them all to ten coys and it wouldn’t make a difference if no one wants to join.

Thats the crux of the issue. Without national job protection reform and meeting the youth where they are, we won't be able to grow the reserve sufficiently.

 

[OldSolduer]

We could increase them all to ten coys and it wouldn’t make a difference if no one wants to join.

You all know my take:

Tanks and planes are paper weights if there are no operators or maintainers.

 

[MilEME09]

You all know my take:

Tanks and planes are paper weights if there are no operators or maintainers.

Which we should also look to our allies on how to reform. If other nations can maintain a high tech reserve, why cant we? The answer? We don't want to

 

[GK .Dundas]

Which we should also look to our allies on how to reform. If other nations can maintain a high tech reserve, why cant we? The answer? We don't want to

Bingo !

 

[FJAG]

Which we should also look to our allies on how to reform. If other nations can maintain a high tech reserve, why cant we? The answer? We don't want to

Truer words . . .

This is what concerns me about rumours of 20% pay increases. My expectation is that if true, it won't change retention or recruiting much; certainly not enough to make a substantial defence output difference.

OTOH, if the upcoming bounty in spending were to be spent on equipment in large quantities and maintainers and logisticians so as to be able to equip all of the force and keep it functioning then recruiting and retention would be positively affected and defence outputs would grow.

There are numerous issues facing the forces but in my mind the priority one is to increase our ability to generate defence outputs. Yes infrastructure needs some improvement, the housing question, definitely recruiting and training throughput and even some pay issues. But first and foremost we need to have a force organizational structure (based on defined defence needs) that defines the force and its capabilities - lets call it a defence doctrine.

 

[daftandbarmy]

There is departmental guidance that is ignored about Reserve establishments. Hence the number of positions being significantly greater than the GoC authorized strength.

It permits avoidance of the hard questions and keeps from having to make choices, and lets the Royal Flin Flon Mukluk Fusiliers carry on with a total strength of 27 against an establishment of 149.

But that's what you get when you plan an exercise on Grey Cup weekend

 

[MilEME09]

But that's what you get when you plan an exercise on Grey Cup weekend

Or a recruiting event during comic con, but not site it near the event?

 

[dapaterson]

Or a recruiting event during comic con, but not site it near the event?

Only if you want to recruit SIGS and Int Ops.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Only if you want to recruit SIGS and Int Ops.

 

[KevinB]

Only if you want to recruit SIGS and Int Ops.

I’m glad I wasn’t the only one wondering WTF does that have to do with things.

 

[markppcli]

But that's what you get when you plan an exercise on Grey Cup weekend

People watch the Grey Cup?

 

[PrairieFella]

People watch the Grey Cup?

You're posted to Shilo, you should know the answer to that question, at least in this province haha.

 

[Brad Sallows]

You all know my take:

Tanks and planes are paper weights if there are no operators or maintainers.

"War stocks". The term is "war stocks".

 

[markppcli]

Only if you want to recruit SIGS and Int Ops.

You have no idea how active the table top gaming scene is in field units.

 

[dapaterson]

You have no idea how active the table top gaming scene is in field units.

Wil Wheaton for 3 VP Honorary Colonel?

 

[dapaterson]

You have no idea how active the table top gaming scene is in field units.

Fair, I guess when I heard about 1 RCHA, I didn't think of Settlers of Catan when I heard "Wood for sheep".

 

[Halifax Tar]

You have no idea how active the table top gaming scene is in field units.

Ships too. The younger generation coming into C&POs are big on table top games and video gaming.

And now we usually make space in the Aft SB for alcohol free, all ranks gaming tables. It's a changing culture, and I don't mean that in a bad way.

 

[TangoTwoBravo]

The recruiting display at Toronto FAN EXPO has been very well attended by young folks who seemed genuinely interested. It has included a FORCE test which people actually lined-up to complete.

All that to say, recruiting at a COMICON is a great way to connect with a large number of potential applicants.