Expand Reserve Army

Re: Bulk up the military, Matt Gurney, July 9, and Better uses for military spending than Reserves, Arthur “Griff” James, July 12

Arthur James is absolutely correct when he makes the point that the Reserves are a “key source of personnel to the Regular Army.” Fulfilling our Afghan mission, for example, would have been impossible without the significant augmentation of the Regular forces by our Reserves.

A recent auditor general’s report demonstrates that the Reserves are the most cost-efficient method of providing well-trained soldiers to bolster the Regular Army when required for a specific mission.

James has not considered the potential need for large numbers of soldiers that may be required for consequence management in the event of natural or manmade disaster in Canada, alongside the need to sustain a regular army expeditionary force. Maintaining that strength utilizing only fulltime, regular soldiers would be prohibitively expensive, at a time when every aspect of our Defence budget is severely stretched.

No one is advocating expanding the Reserves beyond what Canadian Forces’ leadership considers to be an optimum strength. Recruiting programs to reach that goal are in place all across Canada and, to date, are proving successful. It’s worth noting that well over 100 communities in every part of Canada have active Reserve Army units that are a respected, welcomed and valuable part of their fabric, and have been for generations. Walter Tedman, Kingston, Ont.