Part I: The Canadian Armed Forces’ Decline and Unfitness for Duty

December 25, 2024 TruthUSA

Commentary

National security is the cornerstone on which a country’s sovereignty and stability rely, yet Canada is woefully unprepared to address growing global threats or protect its borders.

Years of neglect and inadequate funding have left the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in disarray, jeopardizing our national security and diminishing Canada’s international standing. As someone who served in the CAF for a significant portion of my career, I find the current state of affairs unacceptable. Canada must promptly reassess its priorities to reconstruct a resilient military capable of tackling modern challenges.

National security encompasses more than just possessing armed forces. National security involves a nation’s ability to preserve its physical integrity and territory, maintain economic relations with neighbors, preserve institutions and governance, control borders, and fulfill international obligations.

Throughout history, the Canadian Armed Forces have played a significant role in asserting Canada’s presence globally, from successes in world wars to peacekeeping operations that demonstrated national resolve. However, in recent years, Canada’s position has deteriorated significantly, with allies expressing mounting concern over our failure to meet security agreements and obligations.

The Canadian government’s lack of action in response to foreign interference, particularly by entities like the Communist Party of China, has drawn criticism. Internal turmoil from various groups has highlighted Canada’s perceived indifference or inability to address growing instability.

The inadequacy of the response to foreign interference, especially from entities like the Communist Party of China, has raised concerns. Unrest within Canada, caused by various groups, highlights either a lack of seriousness towards domestic security or an inability to contain growing instability.

The important America, Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (ABCA) arrangement, focusing on equipment interoperability among allied English-speaking countries, has begun to disregard Canada. Additionally, our standing in the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing community is deteriorating, necessitating an immediate reassessment of national security and defense policy.

The current condition of the CAF can be traced back to decisions made in the 1990s, leading to a decline in defense capabilities and modernization. Various governments made promises and purchases, but failed to meet critical defense needs, leaving the CAF without necessary equipment or resources for repairs.

Canada’s defense spending remains below NATO benchmarks, and the impact of neglect is evident in the dwindling personnel levels and outdated equipment of the CAF. A comprehensive review and rebuilding of the military are crucial to address domestic and global challenges effectively.

A strong military is essential in safeguarding a nation’s rights and freedoms, and it is imperative that political leaders and citizens alike recognize the importance of investing in national security. Only through collective effort can Canada restore its military to a level that aligns with its historical legacy and current needs.

David Redman served in the Canadian Army for 27 years, with deployments in various regions before retiring to focus on Crisis Management-Counterterrorism.

Views expressed in this article are the author’s opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of The Epoch Times.

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