Military Forces
Ever wonder why people in their right mind would fund military forces?
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2006/03/23/hostages060323.html
Members of Canada’s top secret commando unit, Joint Task Force 2, had been in Iraq working in tandem with British troops, said officials. It’s not clear how many were in Iraq, but they have been in the country for some time.
Today we have to thank the training and intelligence of those who we have commissioned to keep Canadian citizens safe throughout the world. Our military is not a bunch of gunslinging warmongerers, but CANADIANS who believe in the values of Peace, Order and Good Government - they are people who want to make a positive difference. And our troops are among the best trained in the world. I do not condone war, but I am not against the Canadian Forces and their continued funding through our tax dollars. Today, I hope, those of you who many not have formerly understood that position get a glimpse of why.
10 Responses to “Military Forces”
Amen, Kirk! (and sorry for sounding Pentecostal).
In my military law class we got a talk from a Major from JTF2. It’s amazing what they do - and no, Canadians, for the most part have no idea just how important and involved they’ve become. For example, contrary to popular belief, we did have Canadian JTF2 troops on the ground in Afghanistan well before the war began. Doing various ‘planning and preparation’ asskicking sorts of things
Although we should remember that our military is not a peacekeeping force - the soldiers and officers I’ve talked always stress that. Which is why I’m so happy about what Canadian Forces are doing in Afghanistan.
I agree completely. Our peacekeepers are very different and play a very different role, and it’s important not to confuse the two.
Actually, the CBC has a decent writeup of JTF2. I especially like the part that says, “Much of what we know of the value of JTF2 comes from U.S. sources.”
Military law class. That sounds like it would be interesting.
yes. And the big problem is that a lot of times we use peacekeepers when we really should be using the military. Cyprus - that’s a peacekeeping gig. For sure. Rwanda though? Bosnia - again, the military should have been involved in a more active role. And definitely in Somalia.
I have to say though, that the Military Law Class was a lot of fun - got to go out to the Military Base here, met a lot of pretty cool guys. With the JTF Major… wow. I’ve never been so close to someone who could so completely and totally kick my ass so quickly. Quite intimidating. But a really nice guy.
Yes.. the spec ops boys are far more heavily involved than is commonly known. Even in some places where we are not ‘officially’ involved… wink wink nudge nudge.
I’ve been happy with both martin and harper’s renewed interst in our armed services left to rot under chretien. They guys and gals need the best we can give them, because they are, and always give, their best.
Not only should funding the military not be an issue, neither should giving in quite a bit more - upgraded naval supply/hopital ships, good helicopters faster, JSFs when their ready, and probably mose importantly government assests for heavy lift and marine transport rather than contracting it out.
Cheers,
P
Reason why our pilots are consistently among the best in the world? We can fly Seakings!
Exactly Patrick. Seeing the military up close and personal like I did for a semester really gives you a newfound respect for the institution.
And like a fellow Yank up here at the U of A law school tells me, Canadians really have to realize just the kind of nation that we are. We’re a world power. We’ve got a Trillion dollar GDP, 30 million people, and we’re a major western power and G8 nation. We have a place in the world, and we need to have a military that can allow us to exert a presence when we need to. Obviously that’s not to say that we should go off starting wars (ironically I’m listening to Fortunate Son as I type this), but when something like Afghanistan does come up we need to be prepared - because that was a justly fought war in my opnion.
Personally, I was mighty impressed to see Harper actually go out to Afghanistan to visit the troops. That was a classy move on his part. And he didn’t just observe from behind 6 inches of bullet proof glass and metal. He was (relatively) out in the open. Good stuff to see.
Gabe,
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, at some point we have to meet… despite the ripple it will cause in the space-time continuum.
Cheers,
P
WORLDS COLLIDE, JERRY! WORLDS COLLIDE!
hahaha You’re KILLING INDEPENDENT GEORGE!
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