VAdm Forcier resigns

[Edward Campbell]

Just saw on CTV Ottawa local news, confirmed here: http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=e2a34963-1144-4bb9-85ad-b7bf07a7bcc7&k=41061 that VAdm Forcier has resigned.  According to the story at the hyperlink he submitted his resignaltion on 22 Feb, nearly three weeks ago.

According to that story:

...
Forcier, 51, is leaving well short of the military retirement age of 55.

He cited personal reasons for his departure.

Forcier was commanding the navy on the West Coast last year when Gen. Rick Hillier, the chief of the defence staff, tabbed him to set up Canada Command. He spent six months assembling the new organization before its formal inauguration on Jan. 31.

"As the first commander of Canada Command, Vice-Admiral Forcier's primary goal was to set the new command on the right course, by ensuring that the command's initial design and development were based on the overriding domestic security needs of Canadians,'' said navy spokeswoman Lieut. Morgan Bailey.

"He believes that he has accomplished what he set out to do, by leading an exceptional team of military and civilian professionals for almost the last year.''

But Forcier's departure leaves some wondering whether the new command structure has produced infighting among the senior brass.

 

[PPCLI Guy]

This one, combined with another that I am not sure has been announced, has basically shut down the sr appts list / Cols posting plot - and it is all up in the air again. 

Fun and games.

Dave

 

[SweetNavyJustice]

I used to report to Vadm Forcier on the west coast and was even fortunate enough to brief for him once.  I'm sorry to hear that he is leaving the CF.  He was an excellent sailor and officer.  I must say that I am surprised by his early departure.   

 

[tomahawk6]

Why would he retire short of retirement ? He loses his pension correct ?

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Why would he retire short of retirement ? He loses his pension correct ?

Normally, as long as he doesn't fall short of 20 years, it'll just be reduced. However, I'm not really sure of the rules for Admirals and Generals. They kinda don't fall within our normal pay system.

 

[Michael OLeary]

No, at 51, he's probably got 30 years of service. Pension is assured after 20 years (soon to change to 25).  Without bantering about details, he'll get roughly 2% per year, based on an average of his last five earning years. So, he's looking at about 60% of his current pay.

 

[Gunner]

He announced this several weeks ago and went out of his way to say the new command system had nothing to do with his decision.  The conspiracy theorists among you can speculate what that means.  In my opinion, of the three elements, I believe the navy were the "keenest" to get on board the new regional command structures, with the army close behind them.  I therefore have considerable difficulty with the idea that he is "protesting" the new structure.  I've known  VAdm Forcier since 1997 and he always struck me as an outstanding officer.  I also know he has been pushed hard and fast for the last 6 years by the "system" and it doesn't surprise me that he came to the conclusion that there are other things in life, personally and in the private sector.

 

[tomahawk6]

The Admiral is not resigning then, but retiring. The media always gets that wrong.

 

[PiperDown]

Admiral Forcier announced to us his decision just hours after he submitted his regisnation to the CDS.  One of his grandchildren suffered a trauma recently, and it is his decision to move to BC and be with his family. Admiral Forcier has done an excellent job as the commander of Canada Command, and he is staying on to ensure the unit will be in good hands when the time for a changeover occurs.

so, any banter of political fighting is totally false.

Cheers,

 

[PiperDown]

PS..

VAdm Forcier joined the forces in 1971.. so, the comments about leaving without a full pension are also false.. after 35 years.. I dont think his pension will be an issue.

 

[FSTO]

As with most media reports 75% is wrong and the rest is BS.

 

[Edward Campbell]

Admiral Forcier announced to us his decision just hours after he submitted his regisnation to the CDS.  One of his grandchildren suffered a trauma recently, and it is his decision to move to BC and be with his family. Admiral Forcier has done an excellent job as the commander of Canada Command, and he is staying on to ensure the unit will be in good hands when the time for a changeover occurs.

so, any banter of political fighting is totally false.

Cheers,

He announced this several weeks ago and went out of his way to say the new command system had nothing to do with his decision.  The conspiracy theorists among you can speculate what that means.  In my opinion, of the three elements, I believe the navy were the "keenest" to get on board the new regional command structures, with the army close behind them.  I therefore have considerable difficulty with the idea that he is "protesting" the new structure.  I've known  VAdm Forcier since 1997 and he always struck me as an outstanding officer.  I also know he has been pushed hard and fast for the last 6 years by the "system" and it doesn't surprise me that he came to the conclusion that there are other things in life, personally and in the private sector.

Thanks for the facts.