Opinions of the Canadian Soldiers - Afghanistan

[shortmanx5]

perhaps you arent wrong about my arrogant tone. i wasnt suggesting that the canadian troops are incapable but there tanks, trucks, planes, etc arent up to par with the usa. and size does matter when you are talkin about an army. could chinas army beat the usa no and they have a few million troops.

 

[FiveParadox]

Noted, shortmanx5. Sorry for jumping to conclusions like that.

 

[shortmanx5]

how many troops does canada have there??

 

[shortmanx5]

is it a nato mission, because if it is then canadian troops are under us control since we control nato

 

[FiveParadox]

As of February 28, 2006, approximately 2 300 soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces are involved in ROTO 1 of Operation ARCHER.

 

[Mogz]

i dont remember who said it but someone said that the candian forces dont follow usa generals your wrong. if they go out on a joint mission do you actaully believe canada is calling the shots. lol the reason canadian troops arent under complete usa control is the fact that they cant do the same things as the usa's troops. they cant put down mines, and i would also assume the weapons are differnt and cant be used together. thats one of the reason nato is getting worse becuase we are far ahead of everyone we cant even work together sometimes

That was me. Hi my name is Mogz and i'm a current serving member of the Canadian Forces with two overseas deployments under my belt. From your post you clearly aren't or have ever been a serving member of the military, therefore your opinion is worth, well, shit . Now to business. First off the Canadian Brigade in Afghanistan is currently lead by a Canadian Brigader-General. So yes, we aren't following U.S. command in Afghanistan. Secondly, in regards to joint missions, the Canadian military frequently commands U.S. troops. For example, NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic (STANFORLANT), a task group that contains U.S. Ships, is under the command of a Canadian Admiral. In Afghanistan, Brigadier-General Peter Devlin (a Canadian) commander two ISAF brigades, 1 Canadian, and 1 American. Most recently, General Ray Henault (the former CDS) was appointed the chief military advisor to NATO, one of the top most military posts in the World. Now with regard to interoperability with the U.S., no two nations work better together than Canada and the United States. The chief reason for this being that our weapons are almost exactly the same. We use similar small arms, we use the same howitzers, we both use LAVs, some of our radios are the same. We fly F-18s, and so do they, we fly hercules' and so do they. Our naval surface ships use the Maritime Message Handling System (MMHS), so do American ships. As for mines, we don't place mines anymore for a multitude of reasons (aside from claymores) which I don't feel like getting in to. The main reason is that mines are an antiquated form of warfare. With the new three-block war scenario mines play almost no role as battlefields are far too fluid. In fact the U.S. doesn't place mines anymore either, the only reason they never signed the landmine ban was because of existing minefields defending their troops in South Korea. Lastly, NATO isn't getting worse, in fact NATO is better than ever, especially considering we're on the verge of seeing a standing NATO land force. In summary, you're out to lunch.

how many troops does canada have there??

We have, at last count, 2,400 group troops (a light brigade), as well as some 500 troops supporting the operation in both Turkey and at Camp Mirage.

is it a nato mission, because if it is then canadian troops are under us control since we control nato

How very American. You don't control NATO, command is a revolving position. Furthermore NATO troops aren't placed at the command of the current NATO Supreme Commander. His role is a clerical role. Canadian troops remain under the command of Canadian Generals.

 

[shortmanx5]

o we dont control it, how much of the budget does canada pay??

 

[shortmanx5]

yes we both have F-18's, but you also have older planes that dont compare. So if a war broke out canadian generals would call the shots, lol what a joke.

 

[darkbeaver]

RE: Opinions of the Canad

Mogz shortman5 is brilliant he knows what he,s talking about Uncle Sam runs everything.

 

[shortmanx5]

not saying that darkbeaver, but most joint military ops are run us generals

 

[shortmanx5]

who was in charge during kosvo

 

[Mogz]

o we dont control it, how much of the budget does canada pay??

I haven't worked for the Minister of Finance for a while, so you'll have to wait until him and I sit down again this fall and compare notes :roll:

Mogz shortman5 is brilliant

I have a feeling that my definition of brilliance differs somewhat from yours my friend.

not saying that darkbeaver, but most joint military ops are run us generals

who was in charge during kosvo

At which point? Command revolves. Currently I believe an Italian Lieutenant-General is in charge of KFOR. Or perhaps his mandate is over now, I forget when it was set to end. Regardless my point is that in NATO, command is revolving. A Canadian commanded KFOR once, I believe he was a Major-General.

 

[cortez]

Re: RE: Opinions of the Canadian Soldiers - Afghanistan

can i help resolve this irish conflict

Yes,I have studied your scribblins and have concluded that you have a fine discriminating mind, I would submit this conflict between that capitalist piggy AmTrash ITN and me the harmless gentle cute little beaver for your esteemed consideration. I will comply with your binding arbitration, let the trial begin. I am assuming you will want to conduct your deliberations in New York, ITN has offered to pay for accomadations and airfare, I suggest two weeks preliminary hearings and drug trials.
D.Beaver
Executive Secretary
Office of The Antichrist
RR 1
Canada

RIGHTEOUS BEAVER
I HAVE DECIDED

IRISH- GOOD
ENGLISH-BAD

ps- doesnt seem to you that since that turd ball pisshead m-fer harper dip-poopie harper bitch wad entrail sucker god smacking bible humping yankee suck balling blair licking right wing dick wad
prime minister got elected that the FASCISTS in our good land have gotten bit TOO cocky?

i have no doubt in the end they will lose

QUE VIVA CHE

 

[darkbeaver]

RE: Opinions of the Canad

Yes they will God bless thier tiny little pointed heads. I agree 205% your analyisis of the situation is as usual flawlessly impecable, your insight is peerless, a mind like yours only comes along twice or maybe only once every other generation or so.

 

[Jersay]

Those people exist. There is a girl in my unit who is being discharged because she refuses to go overseas, period. No U.N. missions, no NATO missions, nothing. She's a coward, and as such is being tossed out. This guy you've spoken to, is most likely an utter coward. While peacekeeping missions are dangerous, they are less of a danger than Afghanistan, and as such he may feel he'll be safe living in a bunker wearing a blue beret than being on the frontlines defending both the Afghan people and our society. Not everyone that joins the Army does so for the right reasons. I've known people that have joined for money (it isn't all that good). I've known people that have joined for "glory", only to find out it isn't like holywood. Also i've known people that have joined because they couldn't do anything else, and were tired of living in poverty. All of these people are prime fodder to become one of those people who either lack the courage or the will to do what they signed on to do. I'm not a war junky, I don't get off on killing, and I certainly wish we weren't at War right now, however I understand why War is sometimes the only option, and why we're at War. Sadly some people in the CF fail to realize just what they're getting in to, the same can be said for the U.S. military, and every other military in the World. People join for the wrong reasons. In my opinion, a person should join the Army only if they:

1. Believe in service to their nation
2. Believe in discipline
3. Understand the ramifications of such a career choice
4. Are willing to lay their life down for their Country

If you don't agree with they above listed, and aren't willing to sacrifice, not only your life, but time away from friends and family, and countless hours of sleep, meals, and mental well-being, then you don't belong in the military, in any capacity.

With regard to Afghanistan, yes we have done a truck load of good for those people and I can say first hand they appreciate all we've done.

As for you Jersay, I suggest you do what you feel is right. If you feel the merits of Op Archer are good and just, then do a tour there if you can. I did my time in that nation and as such I have both the pride of having done my duty and the right to discuss this matter with a fully informed opinion. Don't base you decision on what people tell you. Dig down deep and make your own decision.

P.S. What comm unit?

Thanks Mogz for he info. I am sorry I ddn't get back to you so soon, however kind of buzy.

I will have to see because I signed up t be a soldier because I like it, I got a wiff of it as an Air Cadet and knew I wanted to be a soldier, actually a U.N peacekeeper which I hope to be.

But, I also joined so I could go overseas and help people, and meet people of different cultures so I will most likely go on a overseas mission, maybe even Afghanistan if we are going to be there ten years if 'college' permitting I can.

748 Communication Unit.

 

[Mogz]

RE: Opinions of the Canad

There is nothing wrong with peacekeeping, in fact it is a noble role that I am proud is a part of our history. However remember that peacekeeping ,as I have said before, isn't the only option, and a lot of times just doesn't work. With peacekeeping BOTH sides have to be willing to work for peace, such as was the case in Cyprus.

If your aim is to help people, then Afghanistan would be a good choice. Contrary to what you may hear in the news (shooting taxi drivers), or from people on these forums (war for oil), we do a lot of good for the Afghan people. While the death of the taxi driver is awful, it is a part of war. In Croatia a Cougar from the Royal Canadian Dragoons ran over a farmer in 1993. That was a peacekeeping mission, and sadly, a civilian was killed. The key to dealing with that is to put it in perspective, yes someone died, but it is far outweighed by the good we've done. For that one taxi driver that was killed, how many Afghan did we help? We as soldiers are not these holier-than-thou individuals. We make mistakes, and more often than not our mistakes have deadly consequences. I wish you the best in your your career.

748 Comm Squadron eh? That's out in B.C. isn't it? What trade are you? Sig Op? Lineman? LCIS Tech?

 

[Jersay]

There is nothing wrong with peacekeeping, in fact it is a noble role that I am proud is a part of our history. However remember that peacekeeping ,as I have said before, isn't the only option, and a lot of times just doesn't work. With peacekeeping BOTH sides have to be willing to work for peace, such as was the case in Cyprus.

If your aim is to help people, then Afghanistan would be a good choice. Contrary to what you may hear in the news (shooting taxi drivers), or from people on these forums (war for oil), we do a lot of good for the Afghan people. While the death of the taxi driver is awful, it is a part of war. In Croatia a Cougar from the Royal Canadian Dragoons ran over a farmer in 1993. That was a peacekeeping mission, and sadly, a civilian was killed. The key to dealing with that is to put it in perspective, yes someone died, but it is far outweighed by the good we've done. For that one taxi driver that was killed, how many Afghan did we help? We as soldiers are not these holier-than-thou individuals. We make mistakes, and more often than not our mistakes have deadly consequences. I wish you the best in your your career.

748 Comm Squadron eh? That's out in B.C. isn't it? What trade are you? Sig Op? Lineman? LCIS Tech?

I agree with you with what you are saying with your first two paragraphs. Peacekeeping is not always the option, and I support Afghanistan because what Canada is doing. And war has to happen at certain time for certain reasons, but you have to be careful you are doig the right thing when you go to war.

Yeah 748 communication squadron out in nanaimo B.C, and i am a signal operator.

 

[Mogz]

RE: Opinions of the Canad

I agree with you with what you are saying with your first two paragraphs. Peacekeeping is not always the option, and I support Afghanistan because what Canada is doing. And war has to happen at certain time for certain reasons, but you have to be careful you are doig the right thing when you go to war.

Yeah 748 communication squadron out in nanaimo B.C, and i am a signal operator.

I agree, I don't feel we should just launch ourselves in to War, and I am glad we stayed the hell out of Iraq.

A Sig Op? Well i'll be jiggered, me too. If you want to go to 'ghan, make it known, when I went we were short over 70 Sig Ops. The Army is really hurting for that trade right now and reservist Sig Ops make up a large chunk of our overseas comm units. Being a Sig Op in theatre is a good go man. Being a combat support trade you get the best of both Worlds. You get to go out on patrol and do the "army thing", yet at the same time you aren't constantly pounding a patrol route day in and out for your entire roto. It's a nice mix.

 

[Jersay]

I agree, I don't feel we should just launch ourselves in to War, and I am glad we stayed the hell out of Iraq.

A Sig Op? Well i'll be jiggered, me too. If you want to go to 'ghan, make it known, when I went we were short over 70 Sig Ops. The Army is really hurting for that trade right now and reservist Sig Ops make up a large chunk of our overseas comm units. Being a Sig Op in theatre is a good go man. Being a combat support trade you get the best of both Worlds. You get to go out on patrol and do the "army thing", yet at the same time you aren't constantly pounding a patrol route day in and out for your entire roto. It's a nice mix.

Cool.

Now, from a CPL of mine who told me that the Sig Op field is extremely small like you just mentioned you work with a small group of people over and over again from all across the country so don't piss them off.

So I immediately apologize for anything I might have said that might have pissed you off. :wink:

But about the shortage of Sig Ops, I heard that it is one of the big jobs that are wanted. And it does sound nice about doing the army thing but not going on all the patrols.

 

[Mogz]

RE: Opinions of the Canad

Cool.

Now, from a CPL of mine who told me that the Sig Op field is extremely small like you just mentioned you work with a small group of people over and over again from all across the country so don't piss them off.

So I immediately apologize for anything I might have said that might have pissed you off. Wink

But about the shortage of Sig Ops, I heard that it is one of the big jobs that are wanted. And it does sound nice about doing the army thing but not going on all the patrols.

Yeah we are pretty small due to a shortage in our numbers. However we're not as bad as the linemen, I think there is only something like 400 of them in the regular force. As for our trade being in demand, we are, big time. The way I see it, any soldier can man a C9 in a trench and cover his arcs. Not just any soldier can set up a satellite relay, wire in an IRIS LAN, or set up a radio rebroadcast site. Our job is one of the most complex jobs in the land force and as I said, it's a good go.