I'll believe it when I see it.
For some stuff, yes. However, there is also a need for CAN eyes only stuff.Easy answer that's totally within our control - stop Canadianizing stuff. Go whole hog for an integrated North American defence industry.
I'm dead set against "replacing" things unless there is an equivalent system (cost, weight, ease of use) that delivers a better effect. Then by all means do so.So better to say NLAW is to replace M72, Javalin as a more mobile TOW? I gotta start reading up on anti armour weapons more.
I realize there are solutions to the problems presented, my point is more that we have a long enough track record of doing exactly what I said, and I don't see that changing suddenly. Canada is still part of Fortress America, so we don't "need" an expensive military in the eyes of the public, particularly when things are going well. Nobody was clamoring for more defence spending in the last couple of elections, and by the time the next one rolls around I suspect $10/day daycare will still be more enticing to voters than Javelins, F-35s, self propelled artillery, or even CAF housing/pay/benefits.Easy answer that's totally within our control - stop Canadianizing stuff. Go whole hog for an integrated North American defence industry.
Why worry about what might or might not happen. If we integrate more why wouldn't they sell us top of the line stuff? If we buy production run stuff without customization we share in scale of production savings.
They are different systems with different characteristics especially range. Why not buy both for example the NLAW for the section and the Javelin for a platoon's weapon's section/ battalion ATGM platoon.
Of course. But what may be good enough for one role might be inadequate for another.
Personally I tend to look at arms purchases from an effects standpoint and work backwards to the price. Find what you need and then determine if you can afford it and, if not adjust the plan accordingly by either more funding or reassessing the effects desired and how to accomplish them. That may require major organizational changed. It's a complex balancing act.
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I'm not sure of how critical that is when it comes to hardware components. If we're talking communications and data link controls I would assume that there are ways to do that at the code or chip level. Quite frankly I think we have too many discrete silos that mitigate against easy interoperability with our allies despite our constant search for common standards.For some stuff, yes. However, there is also a need for CAN eyes only stuff.
I know that we ended up with the Sperwer instead of the Shadow 200 (which is what we really wanted) because AAI Corp would not certify the cold weather requirement that DLR 8 had put into the tender. The fact that the UOR was specifically for Afghanistan where, even around Kabul, the climate was milder (and eventually in Kandahar much milder).Also, we may be certifying stuff to different levels. Cold weather standards for us are different than the Americans, for example.
Then why spend $26 billion on what we are getting now? Just go the Iceland route and take that money, form a beefed up coast guard and gendarmerie, jump out of NATO, enter a bilateral agreement with just the US and give the rest to the $10 child care?...Canada is still part of Fortress America, so we don't "need" an expensive military in the eyes of the public, particularly when things are going well. Nobody was clamoring for more defence spending in the last couple of elections, and by the time the next one rolls around I suspect $10/day daycare will still be more enticing to voters than Javelins, F-35s, self propelled artillery, or even CAF housing/pay/benefits.
There are times we do. The 1960s was one. The 1980s was another. We go in fits and starts.It would be great if Canada would actually take defence seriously, and send an appropriate amount of thought, effort, and cash on it. History has shown we won't, so my idea is to make the best use of the money while the going is good, and buy system we can afford to maintain even when times get lean.
I'll stay with my layered approach. One thing is that weapon training is not expensive. These things are simpler to operate and much of the training can be done on simulators. Going back to the Javelin AD system of the 1990s - they were in large measure operated by reservists who did most of their training on simulators and might have only fired one missile during their service. The large cost associated with them is a question of how many launcher units do you want to buy (if it uses a launcher unit) and how many do you want in your war stocks and what is their shelf life/refurbishment cycle?We lack any modern infantry AT weapons. We could spend money on the top of the line Javelin, buy a bunch today, and in five years when the budget is being cut again we would have a system to expensive to actually use/train with, or we could buy less expensive SR weapons like NLAW, and even with reduced budgets the cost per missile might help keep it affordable enough to be use/train with.
Here we agree. That's why I like layers. There's a point though. If the Bentley keeps you alive and in control then it's worth every penny. If the Honda gets you killed and loses you the war then it wasn't worth a plugged nickel.Maybe I'm just a pessimist, but I think the CAF would be far better served if we stopped wishing/asking for the Bentleys of military kit, and accepted we can only realistically afford Hondas. Sure a Bentley is better in every measurable way, but if can't afford to dive it because of gas costs and maintenance, the Honda is actually a better match for our needs.
You mean like the new MSVS SMP having DEF? Which if you don't have the vehicle will not work. One would think of having a by pass, while I'm all for environmentally friendly, in a military vehicle that shouldn't be a factorI'm not sure of how critical that is when it comes to hardware components. If we're talking communications and data link controls I would assume that there are ways to do that at the code or chip level. Quite frankly I think we have too many discrete silos that mitigate against easy interoperability with our allies despite our constant search for common standards.
I know that you are on a project where this may matter, at least in our eyes, but I'm not so sure that it really does all that much at the weapon system level.
I know that we ended up with the Sperwer instead of the Shadow 200 (which is what we really wanted) because AAI Corp would not certify the cold weather requirement that DLR 8 had put into the tender. The fact that the UOR was specifically for Afghanistan where, even around Kabul, the climate was milder (and eventually in Kandahar much milder).
Most of the heavy Army equipment required is for use in the temperate conditions of the European (or if you are pessimistic southern Canadian environment). It doesn't need Arctic standards. Americans generally factor Alaskan conditions into design specs at the low end.
Our problem, IMHO, is that all too frequently we impose limiting standards on ourselves that 1) aren't realistic and 2) take viable contenders out of the game.
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I'm not sure what DEF is but I presume something that meets some Canadian environmental standard.You mean like the new MSVS SMP having DEF? Which if you don't have the vehicle will not work. One would think of having a by pass, while I'm all for environmentally friendly, in a military vehicle that shouldn't be a factor
do US vehicles have DEF?You mean like the new MSVS SMP having DEF? Which if you don't have the vehicle will not work. One would think of having a by pass, while I'm all for environmentally friendly, in a military vehicle that shouldn't be a factor
38,000,000 | Total Canadians | 100% |
31,981,916 | Canadians 15 and Over | 84% |
30,879,381 | Canadians 18 and Over | 81% |
23,940,000 | Religious Canadians | 63% |
9,500,000 | Observant Canadians | 25% |
4,000,000 | Union Members | 11% |
13,300,000 | Volunteers | 35% |
2,070,000,000 | hours per year | |
1,035,000 | Full Time Equivalents | |
1,330,000 | Core Volunteers | 4% |
548,550 | Full Time Equivalents | |
16 | hours per week | |
1,995,000 | Engaged Volunteers | 5% |
248,400 | Full Time Equivalents | |
5 | hours per week | |
9,975,000 | Occasional Volunteers | 26% |
238,050 | Full Time Equivalents | |
1 | hour per week |
1,596,000 | Sports | 12% |
1,596,000 | Social Service Non-Profits | 12% |
1,330,000 | Education and Research | 10% |
1,197,000 | Religion | 9% |
798,000 | Health | 6% |
Population aged 15 and over | |
Total Team Sport Players | |
thousands | |
Total population | 26,106 |
Total participants | 7,314 |
Ice hockey | 1,298 |
Soccer | 708 |
Basketball | 626 |
Baseball | 520 |
Volleyball | 513 |
Curling | 294 |
Softball | 265 |
Football | 244 |
Ball hockey | 128 E |
Rugby | 116 E |
In-line hockey | 68 E |
Total Team Sport Participants | 4,468 |
Population aged 15 and over | |
Total Individual Sport Players | |
thousands | |
Total population | 26,106 |
Total participants | 7,314 |
Golf | 1,487 |
Swimming | 764 |
Skiing (downhill/alpine) | 490 |
Cycling | 459 |
Tennis | 403 |
Snowboarding | 270 |
Badminton | 268 |
Skiing (cross-country/nordic) | 197 |
Bowling (10 pin) | 177 |
Mountain-boarding | 167 |
Squash | 152 E |
Bowling (5 pin) | 123 E |
Canoeing/kayaking | 93 E |
Martial arts | 88 E |
Snowshoeing | 73 E |
Gymnastics | 72 E |
Karate | 72 E |
Equestrian | 69 E |
In-line skating | 67 E |
Total Individual Sport Participants | 4,682 |
Useful kit it seems but it is an 800m weapon vs a 4000m weapon.What about the British NLAW? Seems highly effective in Ukraine and is much cheaper to produce.
Closer.So better to say NLAW is to replace M72, Javalin as a more mobile TOW? I gotta start reading up on anti armour weapons more.
I'd add to this that in most situations where we are likely to deploy tanks we are almost certainly going to be deploying along side American forces also using the Abrams. Not so certain that we'll be deploying alongside other nations using the Leopard. If the Ukraine conflict has shown us anything it's that logistics are absolutely a key enabler for military effectiveness and being fully interoperable with American forces would be a force multiplier for both our forces.
I'd go so far as suggesting that for any new military equipment purchases we should first look at what the US is using and justify why the same equipment isn't suitable for the Canadian military before we start shopping elsewhere. That would ensure maximum interoperability with our closest ally and simplify our logistics in case of war. It could also possibly encourage investment by US military contractors in the Canadian economy either for direct production or production of components within the supply chain if they see the potential for ongoing orders coming from Canada. It should also hopefully simplify our procurement system as it would only have to deal with those items where there is a demonstrated Canadian-specific need that isn't met by current US systems.
As far as our tanks go specifically I'd propose gifting our Leopards to Poland which is currently upgrading some of their Soviet-era vehicles with Leopards already which would give them the opportunity to then gift an equivalent number of their now surplus T-72s to Ukraine. We could then reach out the the US to replace our 82 x Leopards with enough Abrams to equip a Canadian ABCT (plus spares).
Most US Cold Weather standards are stricter than Canadian at least for Army kit. No idea about Air or Navy standards.For some stuff, yes. However, there is also a need for CAN eyes only stuff.
Also, we may be certifying stuff to different levels. Cold weather standards for us are different than the Americans, for example.
I suspect if Canadian politicians figured they could get away with it, they would. The US and other partners likely remind them that the cost of not having a token military is worse than continuing to play Weekend At Bernie's with the CAF...Then why spend $26 billion on what we are getting now? Just go the Iceland route and take that money, form a beefed up coast guard and gendarmerie, jump out of NATO, enter a bilateral agreement with just the US and give the rest to the $10 child care?
We know that, but do the politicians? I haven't seen much evidence of it in the last 20 years I have been paying attention to politics.There are dozens of reasons why not. The job of a politician is to do the right thing and not the popular thing.
If we have to go back 40-60 years to find proof that Canada can occasionally be serious about defence, I think my point stands. Remember in the 60s and 80s there were still many voters with memories of WWI/WWII, we have spent the last 30 years living in peace and prosperity. Even now the average Canadian has seen zero impact from the war in Ukraine, other than images on their TV and phone.There are times we do. The 1960s was one. The 1980s was another. We go in fits and starts.
It's a fair point about training, but we should maybe shoot them more than once in a career as well.I'll stay with my layered approach. One thing is that weapon training is not expensive. These things are simpler to operate and much of the training can be done on simulators. Going back to the Javelin AD system of the 1990s - they were in large measure operated by reservists who did most of their training on simulators and might have only fired one missile during their service. The large cost associated with them is a question of how many launcher units do you want to buy (if it uses a launcher unit) and how many do you want in your war stocks and what is their shelf life/refurbishment cycle?
Here we agree. That's why I like layers. There's a point though. If the Bentley keeps you alive and in control then it's worth every penny. If the Honda gets you killed and loses you the war then it wasn't worth a plugged nickel.
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Somewhere, a few years ago, I read that in 1962 (pretty much the height of the Cold War), Canada‘s armed forces totalled 125,000. That was back when our population was only 18,000,000, only half of what it is today. Also, back then only men were allowed to join. Mind you, I’m not sure if that 125,000 figure included the reserves or not. Also, training wasn’t as specialized as it is today, etc. etc. etc. Still…Pool of Canadians
38,000,000 Total Canadians 100%31,981,916 Canadians 15 and Over 84%30,879,381 Canadians 18 and Over 81%
Existing evidence of social cohesion (% of Total)
23,940,000 Religious Canadians 63%9,500,000 Observant Canadians 25%4,000,000 Union Members 11%
Inclination to work for the common good
13,300,000 Volunteers 35% 2,070,000,000hours per year 1,035,000 Full Time Equivalents 1,330,000 Core Volunteers 4%548,550 Full Time Equivalents 16 hours per week 1,995,000 Engaged Volunteers 5%248,400 Full Time Equivalents 5 hours per week 9,975,000 Occasional Volunteers 26%238,050 Full Time Equivalents 1 hour per week
Volunteer activities
1,596,000 Sports 12%1,596,000 Social Service Non-Profits 12%1,330,000 Education and Research 10%1,197,000 Religion 9%798,000 Health 6%
In 2005 when the population was only 80% of what it is now
Population aged 15 and over Total Team Sport Players thousands Total population 26,106Total participants 7,314Ice hockey 1,298Soccer 708Basketball 626Baseball 520Volleyball 513Curling 294Softball 265Football 244Ball hockey 128 E Rugby 116 E In-line hockey 68 E Total Team Sport Participants 4,468
Population aged 15 and over Total Individual Sport Players thousands Total population 26,106Total participants 7,314Golf 1,487Swimming 764Skiing (downhill/alpine) 490Cycling 459Tennis 403Snowboarding 270Badminton 268Skiing (cross-country/nordic) 197Bowling (10 pin) 177Mountain-boarding 167Squash 152 E Bowling (5 pin) 123 E Canoeing/kayaking 93 E Martial arts 88 E Snowshoeing 73 E Gymnastics 72 E Karate 72 E Equestrian 69 E In-line skating 67 E Total Individual Sport Participants 4,682
76,000 Guides with 21,000 volunteers
53,000 Scouts with 17,000 volunteers
54,000 Cadets with 7,800 CIC
5,000 Junior Rangers
How many are into extreme sports?
How many kids and adults are playing on-line adventure games and first person shooter and multi-player video games?
How many airsoft and paintball players are there? Aren't those team players?
How many people spend their time staring at screens looking to interact with the rest of the world?
Archaeology has been exploiting the crowd for a long while now with people spending their free time interpreting air and satellite images looking for lumps, bums, shine, shape and shadow in order to locate ancient landforms and constructions.
And with all of that potential we struggle to maintain a volunteer force of 23,000.
Perhaps the fault is within ourselves?
We're not offering the right opportunities.
Somewhere, a few years ago, I read that in 1962 (pretty much the height of the Cold War), Canada‘s armed forces totalled 125,000. That was back when our population was only 18,000,000, only half of what it is today. Also, back then only men were allowed to join. Mind you, I’m not sure if that 125,000 figure included the reserves or not. Also, training wasn’t as specialized as it is today, etc. etc. etc. Still…
Countless Canadians I’ve talked to (both native-born and recent immigrants) have told me that they basically see Canada‘s military role in the world as a peace keeping force…even though (IMHO) peace keeping isn’t what it used to be and probably never what was what ”it used to be”, especially after Ruanda and the Balkans. Also, Canadian diplomatic strength isn’t what it used to be either.
Despite the fact that I consider myself basically a Liberal, the liberal press seems to continually push this agenda that the military is basically a relic of the past and that it should be underfunded and understaffed...kind of like “defund the police”. The only time they seem to exhibit any positive sentiments is on November 11th when they say how much they are grateful to those who have served and/or paid the ultimate price. Otherwise, pack up the sentiments and store them on a shelf until next year, same time.
I do believe that a lot of Canadians, both men and women, would be willing to serve. However, it’s often a case of “out of sight…out of mind”. It’s been several years since I’ve seen any CAF recruitment commercials on TV and if there are any on the social media, I have yet to see them. Also, an appeal to patriotism seems quite anachronistic in today’s culture.
I only hope that everyone—the members of all political parties, the media and the general public—will awaken from their long slumber now that the invasion of Ukraine is threatening world stability. Is it too late for Canada given the state of its lack of military commitment? I don’t think so, but definitely things would have been much better if both the Conservative and Liberals who have governed this country over the years would have made a serious commitment to defence. Basically, will Canada finally show that it has a spine? Australia should serve as a role model for us.
Anyway, I’m probably preaching here to the converted. In conclusion, I do believe that if enough Canadians make their opinions known then government will eventually listen. In the last few weeks I have sent numerous emails to my MP as well as Ministers Anand, Freeland and the Prime Minister. I like to think that my voice made a difference when the announcement was made earlier this week that the Defence budget will likely increase. Hey, it’s a start.
The CAF isn’t big enough you can afford to not buy the best.I suspect if Canadian politicians figured they could get away with it, they would. The US and other partners likely remind them that the cost of not having a token military is worse than continuing to play Weekend At Bernie's with the CAF...
We know that, but do the politicians? I haven't seen much evidence of it in the last 20 years I have been paying attention to politics.
If we have to go back 40-60 years to find proof that Canada can occasionally be serious about defence, I think my point stands. Remember in the 60s and 80s there were still many voters with memories of WWI/WWII, we have spent the last 30 years living in peace and prosperity. Even now the average Canadian has seen zero impact from the war in Ukraine, other than images on their TV and phone.
It's a fair point about training, but we should maybe shoot them more than once in a career as well.
I guess my idea with AT weapons like NLAW/Spike SR, etc., is that we are better off having some capability now, that we can maintain, than we are going whole hog buying a couple of top end LR systems that we don't have enough of to actually deploy with, or train with.
That's why I said Honda, not Lada
My point is we should be looking at the best affordable systems, rather than chasing after the top end stuff we can't/won't buy enough of. We are going to lose kit and people in a war. We need the Honda level of kit, that is safe, effective, and affordable enough to buy enough of it to be useful in a real war.
I agree that layers of systems is the best bet, I just worry that we will spend so much time trying to find the "best" layers, then conclude we can't afford the best, so we end up like we are now with no layers at all.
If that was the case, I’d be driving a Range Rover Sport. At some point, we need to procuring something that we’ll have in quantity enough to train and employ. If we can only buy a handful and never use it, it’s no good.The CAF isn’t big enough you can afford to not buy the best.