'We have a bunch of mandarins that shove this peacekeeping down the throats ...

[Rfn]

I appreciate the links as well, I would never have known about the articles about Col Strogan or LCol Fulton.

Both of them are my hero's. To me, both of them are warriors and role models from different eras. One has played his role in smashing the Taliban sheltered Islam extremists, and the other landed on D-Day to play his part in destroying Nazism. Without men, without unit-level leaders like this, our civilization would collapse. Both have faced a challenge most CF members could never imagine never mind face themselves.

From other members of the R Wpg Rif lucky enough to be involved in the battlefield tour this year on the 60th anniversary in Normandy LCol Fulton was there to provide guidance on the  exact battlefield dispositions of his coy (and later his regt) throughout the campaign. (and provided needed correction to the official tour guide on some pertinent facts) -- Absolutely priceless....

As for Gunner " not being a fan" of the CO, I would argue then that the CO was probably doing his job and making decisions that weren't popular but had to be made. To many times have I seen at my level (sect and Platoon) decisions were made that were more populist, rather than practical and mission oriented. A decision like that is bound to be pretty hard on the ol' fan club membership.

Cheers

 

[Blakey]

Well this is what the poll stands at 2pm on sunday

http://www.canada.com/national/features/tugofwar/index.html

What should be the primary role of Canada's military?

23.02 %
Defend our borders

12.49 %
Peacekeeping

62.57 %
Prepare for war

1.91 %
Canada doesn't need armed forces

If we could only get them to tell the gov that DND needs more money and personnel.

Quite different today ...

What should be the primary role of Canada's military?
17.35 %
Defend our borders
10.14 %
Peacekeeping
68.27 %
Prepare for war
4.24 %
Canada doesn't need armed forces

 

[canuck101]

you need to read the poll 68% is above going to war, peacekeeping got only 10%. ;D

 

[logau]

Col Stogran may be right but he may be wasting his breath - its clearly not the mandarins - its Bob and MArtha and their 77 yhear old mother that lives with them

because:

we have been unwilling to devote the money necessary to keep our international image and prestige at the levels we have had in the past. Thus the Canada of 2010 will be even more dominated by the United States on international issues. Our defence and ODA budgets will not increase significantly in real terms or as a share of gross domestic product (GDP) through 2010, because our values will not support reallocation of funds from social and domestic priorities.

..... A ranking of values following the September 11 terrorist attacks found Canadians rated security and
safety seventh out of 12 values/goals. Although 67 per cent of Canadians identified the last federal budget as being focused on improving Canada's defence and security, only 15 per cent agreed with this focus. Forty-two per cent felt that the budget should have been focused on improving the social well-being and quality of life of Canadians.66 A survey taken two months after the terrorist attacks found that 86 per cent of Canadians supported the federal government focusing its attention on improving the environment, encouraging economic development, and improving the living conditions of Aboriginal Canadians. Further, 82 per cent supported   the federal government increasing funding for health
care over security.67

Source:   Major Trends in Canadian Society How They Will Reshape â Å“The Canadian Wayâ ? by 2010
From The COnference Board of Canada - email me and I will send you the PDF file

Deduction - DND is wasting its breath and the governments long term plan is waste DND.....

Need more money - attack the centres where the money is going and divert it to CF

Seems simple.

I expect 10 people to ask for this 20 page PDF file so line up alphabetically

Or - get your own copy by joining the mailing list at www.conferenceboard.ca - you have to regisater but they have lots of government policy stuff which all leads to less for DND   :threat:

 

[bossi]

On the topic of educating the Canadian public ...
I'm going to be supplementing my groceries by going on the rubber chicken circuit (!)

And, Remembrance Day is fast approaching - normally the Public Affairs or Outreach shops are looking for volunteers ... (and, the audiences are usually friendly).

So, for those of us in Canada, here's our/your chance to get out there and drum up support for our Army
(sorry, deployed guys - unless you're going to be home on HLTA ...).

 

[pbi]

Bossi: Good post. I echo your advice. Get out there and Connect with Canadians, or we will have nobody to blame but ourselves. If you're deployed, send e-mail letters back home telling folks (within OPSEC, of course) how it's going, what you're doing. Schools and Legions (and home town papers) will be glad of them. Cheers.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

78.79% in favour of preparing for war