How does a CDS respond to the economic cuts from the government.

[54/102 CEF]

Hypothetical but  . . .

The CDS, sometime in the future, realises there is too much regular force and not enough regular impact -- ie: 12 of this or that system - or a disused base off in the boondocks has to go - isn't adding any benefit to Cdn or Alliance effectiveness

What does he cut? Assuming the government keeps up its cheap and stingey ways? Will he be coloured by the service he served his career in?

 

[Horse_Soldier]

Keep in mind that the CDS is hardly an autocrat.  More like a juggler in a three ring circus.  He has to contend with the Deputy Minister, who technically should only be involved in the civilian side of DND, but regularly puts his nose into military affairs.  He has the three service chiefs, the VCDS and the DCDS, as well as all the staff 3-stars and civilian equivalents, each with an opinion and each in a position to make that opinion heard loudly and clearly.  The CDS has little choice but to listen to the members of the Armed Forces Council (it it's still called that - I left NDHQ in 1996) so momentous decisions are done in typically bureaucratic "collegial" fashion, with everyone from the Privy Council Office, to Foreign Affairs and Public Works having their little fingers in various pies.  I don't think the CDS can even contemplate showing favoritism towards one service or another.  Decisions will be taken by compromise and one hopes they will be what is best for the nation's defence as a whole.  Or to put it crudely, the CDS sits at the top of the NDHQ ratfuck and between toeing the government line and herding the three-star cats, he's pretty much unable to act like the CO of an infantry battalion.

 

[2 Cdo]

Horse Soldier, well said. The CDS is more politician than soldier at his level. Between trying to get funding for the Forces and keeping the government happy(by doing more with less) he has little time for inter-service bickering.

 

[54/102 CEF]

Well said all! Lets wish him well and help him if we can!