Informing the Army’s Future Structure

[Oldgateboatdriver]

Now you're just quoting medieval history

See first part of my handle: "Old". I am pretty medieval.

P.S.: You do know that Hearts of Oak you quote refers to the wonderful year ... of 1759.

 

[daftandbarmy]

See first part of my handle: "Old". I am pretty medieval.

P.S.: You do know that Hearts of Oak you quote refers to the wonderful year ... of 1759.

That last time anything made sense

 

[FJAG]

My latest ponderings have me envisioning something like this:

Not bad - and not just because it follows much of my own line of thinking.

Two small thoughts.

Each of the two armoured divisions needs a strong divisional cavalry regiment in addition to the two brigades.

The artillery battalion in Latvia should have three batteries rather than three troops.

 

[PuckChaser]

How is the Defence of Canada Division going to be structured? It sounds like the ten CBGs are staying. One division commander and headquarters is going to manage ten brigades? Doesn't seem efficient.

Good news, the CBGs aren't real Brigades so 1 Div HQ is perfect.

 

[FJAG]

Good news, the CBGs aren't real Brigades so 1 Div HQ is perfect.

If the increase to 100,000 PRes is for real then they will be real brigades in size at least (and quite possibly bigger).

This line from "Inflection Point" continues to be my primary concern that things will not go well.

The CA must also develop ARes self-sufficiency in terms of training, operations, and sustainment to accomplish the needed capacity to support modernization efforts.

 

[PuckChaser]

100,000 is a pipe dream. We cant even kit out 50,000.

 

[dapaterson]

100,000 is a pipe dream. We cant even kit out 50,000.

So starting to plan now, to align intake, training capacity, and put in place mechanisms to acquire the necessary clothing (and other equipment and materiel) would be prudent.

 

[daftandbarmy]

If the increase to 100,000 PRes is for real then they will be real brigades in size at least (and quite possibly bigger).

This line from "Inflection Point" continues to be my primary concern that things will not go well.

So they're assuming that the ARes is not self-sufficient? After all that time, money, personnel and material that's been invested over the decades?

Geez... I wonder who's going to lose their jobs in Ottawa etc over that poor result

 

[Halifax Tar]

And, yes, I did freeze my butt in Valcartier in those days, and I can also attest that freezing your butt - while all wet - on an open bridge in mid Atlantic in winter is not glorious either.

Had an OOW leave a look out on the wings too long on a stormy winter night east of NFLD. Closed the bridgewing door and wouldn't let the lad in to warm up at all.

We the CCT folks had some work to get him warmed up and then we helo'd him ashore. The OOW, well last I heard he doesn't drive ships anymore.

 

[ueo]

Had an OOW leave a look out on the wings too long on a stormy winter night east of NFLD. Closed the bridgewing door and wouldn't let the lad in to warm up at all.

We the CCT folks had some work to get him warmed up and then we helo'd him ashore. The OOW, well last I heard he doesn't drive ships anymore.

had the same shite hawks in the army!

 

[KevinB]

100,000 is a pipe dream. We cant even kit out 10k Reg Force properly.

FIFY

 

[Kirkhill]

Agreed, but creating a Reserve force which is not "a Militia in name only" is going to be expensive, both politically and economically. I agree with what many have said here: it needs to be equiped like it will fight.

Others have already said it: Corps '86 anybody?

But do all the volunteers have to be fully equipped?

If we have 20 tank volunteers do we need 5 tanks? Or can we manage with 2 tanks and 5 crews?

 

[FJAG]

But do all the volunteers have to be fully equipped?

If we have 20 tank volunteers do we need 5 tanks? Or can we manage with 2 tanks and 5 crews?

As always, that depends on the purpose of that particular element of the reserves.

If that element is only part of a training organization whose purpose is to train tankers and can sequence the training of 5 crews with just 2 tanks then fine.

If that element is part of an armoured regiment whose purpose is to provide a fully trained and deployable armoured regiment to expand a deployed force with a full regiment, or to sustain one depleted by personnel and tank casualties, then all five tanks are essential.

Context matters.

 

[Kirkhill]

As always, that depends on the purpose of that particular element of the reserves.

If that element is only part of a training organization whose purpose is to train tankers and can sequence the training of 5 crews with just 2 tanks then fine.

If that element is part of an armoured regiment whose purpose is to provide a fully trained and deployable armoured regiment to expand a deployed force with a full regiment, or to sustain one depleted by personnel and tank casualties, then all five tanks are essential.

Context matters.

100,000 reservists.
2 Divisions or 2 Corps?
Or 2 Corps tasked with raising 2 Divisions?