Future CF Structure: From A Partisan Political Model to a Canada First Model (Concept Idea)

 

Crowsnest Mountain, Alberta (by V.A. McMillan)

Today, let's talk about restructuring the Canadian Forces (CF) in a manner that respects the men and women in uniform who serve to protect our nation from all threats foreign and domestic. 

Currently, and since the creation of Canada in 1867, we have had a national defence system that is explicitly connected to the government of the day. This partisan political system has been exploited and corrupted at every opportune moment by every political party that has ever been in power. Yes, some forward thinking political representatives have worked very hard to help the CF, but that has been the minority.

To move forward, I am suggesting a national defence system based on the strategic and operational NEEDS of defending Canada and Canadians as the first priority. A system which hopes to separate political maneuvering and vote buying from the actual job of defending the country. To achieve this, there needs to be a re-structuring of roles and responsibilities. Starting with the Ministry of National Defence, will now have only one function secure the funding necessary for the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to fulfill their budget obligations to the CF. This means, the CDS will use all of their resources to determine what is needed to adequately defend Canada, meet obligations to our NATO and NORAD partners and equip our CF personnel to do the job we ask them to do on our behalf. 

Now a quick slide show:

This re-structuring of the CF High Command would ensure there is a focused team working together to achieve the defence needs of Canada. We would have the correct number of persons in uniform, in the correct branch, equipped with the proper equipment to do their job in all weather conditions, all seasons, all areas of Canada or foreign theatres we ask our CF personnel to serve. It is insane to continue to ask the CF to do the impossible without giving them the basic tools of their trade. Worse is the practice of promising to acquire the equipment or tools needed and then an election occurs and some new jackasses waddle into Parliament and cancel the purchase agreements and thereby endangering the lives of the CF front line personnel. Who agrees to this system??

Long-range CF planning requires consistency. A consistent strength. A consistent volume and quality of gear, weapons, and ammunition. And consistent high quality leadership. 

The Canadian economy could benefit from consistency, too.  How about a long-term schedule of naval vessels for the Navy and Coast Guard?? Canadian shipbuilders would benefit and so would their employees. How about armoured vehicles and tanks for the Army?? This would benefit the steel manufactures, the vehicle sector, their employees and supporting communities. How about aircraft for the Air Force, Navy, and Army??? Do we have Canadian manufacturers who can build fighter jets?? Helicopters?? Transport planes?? 

A Canada First strategy would use a systems approach to national defence. It would ensure Canadian industry supported the CF by designing and building equipment, gear, and weapons that enabled the CF to do their job. Again, this would be evidence-based on strategic planning to meet the operational needs today and tomorrow. Military planning cycles need to be 25 to 50-years ahead of where we are, so we can get to where we are going. Four years is inadequate for national defence planning, if you want to defend your country from all threats - foreign AND domestic!

Until next time...think about the greater GOOD!

Mountainman.