[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= Stymiest] Yes Canadian soldiers did commit a huge offense there and it was not a very good for the armed forces appeal at home and i think it hurt the credibility of the military a lot. The regiment sent over to Somalia was the NATO rapid reaction force also known as the Canadian airborne regiment. This regiment was the canadian army's elite force but unfortunately cutbacks and other things had degraded this regiment. Not only that but it was also seen as a dumping ground for behaviour problems. But the Airborne was disbanded after somalia and thats another story for another time. <br /> <br />[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />No, it's a story for right now. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'> <br /> <br />Somalia was a failing of the command structure. We soldiers were not given a clear mandate from the top (Kim Cambell) on down. Violations of the Geneva convention were performed by a few soldiers, and their superiors turned a blind eye to them. <br /> <br />Kim Cambell closed the inquiry into Somalia while these things were being found out, and blamed the entire Airborne squadron for the actions of a few. The inquiry would have found that as Defence Minister, ultimate responsibilty for Somalia and it's failings would have fell to the desk commanders who had no field experience, and ultimately, Kim Cambell. Only 2 people were charged with anything there, Kyle Green was the only one to do time for his actions. (The other is brain dead from a suicide attempt). <br /> <br />I agree with you that we need more ground pounders, but we also need less brass and administration. But our military has always been professionals, otherwise we would not have pulled off the fantastic results in Bosnia less than a year later. <br />

[Stymiest]

[QUOTE BY= Dr Caleb] [QUOTE BY= Stymiest] Yes Canadian soldiers did commit a huge offense there and it was not a very good for the armed forces appeal at home and i think it hurt the credibility of the military a lot. The regiment sent over to Somalia was the NATO rapid reaction force also known as the Canadian airborne regiment. This regiment was the canadian army's elite force but unfortunately cutbacks and other things had degraded this regiment. Not only that but it was also seen as a dumping ground for behaviour problems. But the Airborne was disbanded after somalia and thats another story for another time. <br /> <br />[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />No, it's a story for right now. <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'> <br /> <br />Somalia was a failing of the command structure. We soldiers were not given a clear mandate from the top (Kim Cambell) on down. Violations of the Geneva convention were performed by a few soldiers, and their superiors turned a blind eye to them. <br /> <br />Kim Cambell closed the inquiry into Somalia while these things were being found out, and blamed the entire Airborne squadron for the actions of a few. The inquiry would have found that as Defence Minister, ultimate responsibilty for Somalia and it's failings would have fell to the desk commanders who had no field experience, and ultimately, Kim Cambell. Only 2 people were charged with anything there, Kyle Green was the only one to do time for his actions. (The other is brain dead from a suicide attempt). <br /> <br />I agree with you that we need more ground pounders, but we also need less brass and administration. But our military has always been professionals, otherwise we would not have pulled off the fantastic results in Bosnia less than a year later. <br />[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />Thanks Dr. Caleb for posting that.... <br /> <br />I also agree we need less brass in the army.... National defence needs to be reorganized aswell <br /> <br />Damn its to bad canada doesn't have some sort of George Marshall or something lol

[z_whalen]

Canadians really need to clue in to how important our military is to our sovereignty. A capable military is really a crucial component to building national independence, but Canadians just do not seem to realize it. <br /> <br />As I have commented before, we are overconcerned with preserving our social welfare, while our military is falling apart. This is my question: how can we get Canadians interested in their military?

[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= z_whalen]This is my question: how can we get Canadians interested in their military?[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />They need to know what is being done in their name. One thing about the US, they idolize their military. Recruiters are everywhere, and people's attitudes change when they find out you've served. <br /> <br />In Canada, there is widespread apathy. Mostly because our culture only crystalizes around the military in times of need. Recruiters are few and far between. I would not have even considered joining, had I not come from a family with a long tradition of military service. <br /> <br />Ask people about battles like Midway Island, Pearl Harbour and Du Nang, and they know much about them, because the influence of American culture on Canada. Ask them about battles like Beaumont Hamel, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge, Medak, Dunkirk; and they'll look at you like a deer in the headlights. <br /> <br />Education my friend, is the key. <br />

[Stymiest]

[QUOTE BY= Dr Caleb] [QUOTE BY= z_whalen]This is my question: how can we get Canadians interested in their military?[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />They need to know what is being done in their name. One thing about the US, they idolize their military. Recruiters are everywhere, and people's attitudes change when they find out you've served. <br /> <br />In Canada, there is widespread apathy. Mostly because our culture only crystalizes around the military in times of need. Recruiters are few and far between. I would not have even considered joining, had I not come from a family with a long tradition of military service. <br /> <br />Ask people about battles like Midway Island, Pearl Harbour and Du Nang, and they know much about them, because the influence of American culture on Canada. Ask them about battles like Beaumont Hamel, Dieppe, Vimy Ridge, Medak, Dunkirk; and they'll look at you like a deer in the headlights. <br /> <br />Education my friend, is the key. <br />[/QUOTE] <br /> <br />Dr. Caleb I'd like to thank you once again for making this post. Ever since I have been coming to this board you have been one of the ones that I have been seeing making the most informed posts with the best thoughout judgement. Keep up the good work <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'>

[xdeathx10]

I recently met a Canadian Forces recruit and he talked about the defense a little bit, but focussed more on UN peacekeeping missions and NORAD, I think Canada better shape up its Forces in all aspects. It will make us a more sovereign nation.