DND should use special events to cultivate public support
Re: Rituals can help Canada boost military recruitment, April 8.
It appears that senior federal government and Department of National Defence mandarins have forgotten the importance and popularity of public events as they wrestle with trying to reverse the current recruiting problem. Not only do the National Sentry Program and the Changing of the Guard in Ottawa showcase the military, but they also help bring out of the shadows a well-trained and professional force that appears to only make the news over leadership scandals or when called on to fight forest fires.
There are other annual events in Ottawa that also help raise the profile of the military but seem also to be neglected by DND. The Army Run held at Cartier Square in the fall is hugely popular not only with runners but with the public, who are not only interested in learning more about the army but are also keen to experience first-hand the weapons and equipment and hear about their capabilities from the people who use them. Yet for whatever reason, this event has now become more focused on the run, and less on the army, with substantially fewer vehicles and weapons systems on display.
The same can be said about the
Canadian Tulip Festival, an event anchored in the liberation of the Netherlands by the 1st Canadian Army during the Second World War, and the birth of Princess Margriet of the Netherlands in Ottawa while the Dutch Royal Family was seeking shelter from the Nazis.
Whereas the Tulip Festival does stalwart work in hosting a worldclass event each year, it outwardly appears to get limited support from DND. The festival last year marked the centennial of the Royal Canadian Navy Reserves with an exciting roster of naval-themed events and this year is focusing on the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a distinct military element. Yet, who in Ottawa, other than anyone already associated with the RCAF, even knows about this major milestone? In any other country this anniversary would be well publicized.
The same can be said for
D-day, the Allied invasion of Normandy France in June 1944: Does anyone know that the 80th anniversary is on June 6?
If the military won't foster ceremonial, sporting and historical events that highlight its capabilities and achievements to the public, then naturally it will be difficult to attract new recruits.
Ed Storey, Nepean
Promised support of PM will evaporate
Re: Liberal government defence policy boosts military spending, commits to new purchases of helicopters, missiles, aircraft, April 8.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's talk of any increased financial support for our military is as transitory as the Citizen's editorial cartoon of the snowman that appeared April 10. If re-elected, his supposed support will disappear quicker than the snowman sentry in spring.
Al Jones, Major (ret'd), Almonte
How Britain can stop Russia in its tracks
As the saying goes, “Never trust a used-submarine salesperson.”
Canada bought four subs from our friend and ally Britain about 30 years ago. Two subs were never able to go into the sea. And in four years, the other two were in the water only 214 out of 1,460 days! That is only 15 per cent of possible usage. We were duped.
We should encourage Britain to sell its used war machines to Russia. Then the world would be safer.
Peter Fedirchuk, Kanata