From being regarded as one of the strongest militaries globally, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) now finds itself grappling with significant challenges. The CAF is facing a severe shortage of personnel, hindering its ability to meet Canada’s national security and international defense obligations. Despite the grim situation, Prime Minister Trudeau seems to conveniently avoid taking any responsibility for this dire state of affairs.
As the CAF’s weaknesses become increasingly prominent, its public image is fading, and doubts arise regarding its effectiveness as a deployable force, both domestically and abroad.
The Army is Dying
In 2022, military recruitment in the Canadian Armed Forces witnessed a disheartening decline of 35%, with only 5,242 volunteers enlisting compared to 8,069 in the previous year. These statistics reflect the alarming struggle the CAF faces in attracting individuals to serve their country.
The briefing note titled “Recruitment and Retention” acknowledges the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the difficulties of motivating people to join the military.
Currently, CAF is employing approximately 100,000 members, including 71,500 regular force members and 28,500 reserve members. In responding to questions from CTV News in early April of this year, Brigadier-General Krista Brodie, commander of the Military Personnel Generation Group, stated, “In terms of actual strength we’re sitting about 16,000 short.”
According to the document, which was first obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter “The government’s plan to boost recruitment by lowering standards and promoting diversity over merit. Instead of focusing on attracting qualified Canadians who are willing to serve and defend the country, the government is resorting to identity-based quotas to fill the gaps”
Read More: Canadian Army Has a New Toolkit and It’s Dividing People Even More!
The Blame Game
While pay incentives are being utilized as a means to attract new members, the root of the problem lies with the incumbent government and Prime Minister. Undoubtedly, they have mishandled the defense portfolio on numerous occasions. The cancellation of the F-35 purchase only to procure them later at a higher cost exemplifies this mishap.
However, in fairness to Justin Trudeau and his ministers, the CAF was already fragile when they assumed power; they simply exacerbated the existing issues.
The CAF finds itself at a critical juncture, battling for its very existence due to the damage inflicted upon it by Justin Trudeau’s leadership. The future of the CAF hinges on implementing transformative changes and introducing new policies to sustain its operations. Failure to do so may mark the end of an era for the Canadian military.
The demise of the CAF will leave Canada without a military, and to believe that there is no enemy for Canada is like claiming that unicorns are roaming every corner in Toronto. The current state of the CAF signifies the dismantling of a once formidable army that had a longstanding presence within NATO. It is imperative to address these issues promptly to prevent the irreversible decline of the CAF.
Read More: Canadian youngsters do not want to join the army anymore and there are three reasons behind
The Canadian Armed Forces, once regarded as a force to be reckoned with, now faces a battle for survival just because of their very own leader Justin Trudeau. The struggles and shortcomings it currently experiences demand immediate attention. While the blame game persists, the need for substantial changes and effective policies becomes more apparent.
The fate of the CAF hangs in the balance, and only through decisive action can it sustain its relevance and fulfill its duty to defend the nation. The alternative—an end to the CAF—would leave Canada vulnerable and devoid of a capable military, undermining its national security and international standing.
Watch More:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqPDaYg_YnU