2007

rac2-2-1Air Power and Canadian Sovereignty – 07/2007 The terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 drew renewed attention to the capabilities of NORAD (the North American Aerospace Defence Command) after years of relative apathy. The continuing need for proper surveillance, fighters positioned to respond on short notice, along with the necessary procedures for the Government to deal with an airborne threat became glaringly obvious. The protection of Canadian sovereignty is important. The air force currently has a number of capabilities which are essential to the effective assertion of Canadian sovereignty over its large area of responsibility. These need to be maintained and modernized over time. In addition to surveillance and force projection, the air force provides essential support to army and navy sovereignty operations. Future enhancements to air force related capabilities, such as the procurement of uninhabited aerial vehicles and access to improved space surveillance, should be pursued as priorities to enable sovereignty operations. (Read more here…)

5-2Canada’s Fixed-wing Search-and-Rescue Capability – 06/2007 Current fixed-wing search and rescue (FWSAR) is done by a fleet of Buffalo aircraft and seven to ten Hercules, providing an excellent mix of relatively fast, long-range response (Hercules) and sufficient maneuverability required for mountainous operations along the West Coast (Buffalo). The Buffalo is well beyond its initially-projected service life and, while effective, the Hercules is more aircraft than is needed for the role, increasingly limited in availability, and expensive to support. The Government should proceed with the acquisition of a new FWSAR aircraft as soon as practicable. Funds have been earmarked to do just this; the current assets are badly in need of replacement; and the capability will enhance the safety of all Canadians. The traditional employment of the Hercules in SAR, while operationally effective, is not cost effective when more operationally-suitable alternatives are available. Introduction of a dedicated FWSAR fleet will enable Hercules aircraft to be redirected more to what they do best – tactical transport.The operational requirements established for the FWSAR aircraft are valid, reasonable and must be fully satisfied by the aircraft procured, so as to ensure that SAR service to Canadians remains at the current level or higher in the future. (Read more here…)

2204764186_97e6761b4cThe Need for a Defence Strategy – 05/2007 For more than a decade, the only formal policy available was the 1994 White Paper, and it became seriously dated in a post 9/11 world. Since the release of the Liberal Defence Policy Statement in April 2005, there have been high expectations of aggressive implementation of new defence capabilities. Promises by the Conservatives have fuelled this anticipation. The announcements made in June 2006, constituting some $17 billion in defence spending, represents a huge investment in equipment and support activity over a long period. Delivery of strategic airlift aircraft has begun and a contract for tactical airlift should be let this Fall. Recent announcements have confirmed the Government’s commitment to upgrade and sustain the navy’s twelve frigates and to acquire new ice-capable ships to project sovereignty in Canada’s North.The Government needs to enunciate a viable defence strategy. The CF will continue to have difficulty in addressing capability deficiencies effectively and efficiently until it can secure the approval of an affordable investment plan. Such a plan must necessarily reflect the defence policy of the Government and the relative priorities it sets for capability development. Where resources allocated to Defence are inadequate to provide for the capabilities desired, the gap must be addressed by increasing the defence budget or reducing the expectations of the Government. (Read more here…)

circle_5The Role of the Air Force in Space – 04/2007 Space-based capabilities have become the norm for the support of everyday military activities, whether recognized or not. For example, satellites enable communications, provide surveillance, assist in weather reporting and forecasting, detect significant events such as ballistic missile launches, and support intelligence activities. Access to these capabilities has become common-place and is considered essential to meet the demands of modern military operations.The recent reorganization of the CF does not adequately address the force generation aspects of space-based capabilities. The Chief of Force Development organization is not staffed to perform this function, which should be provided for if these force enablers are to be fully exploited. The air force has traditionally been closest to overall space activity and it would be a natural extension for them to be given force generation responsibilities. These would position the CF for long term involvement in the advantages presented by space operations. Any incremental resources needed for this force generation capability should be provided to the air force over and above current resources. Ideally, army and navy representation would be provided to best serve the overall force generation needs of the CF. (Read more here…)

CND-Photo-Pugliese-DND-SpecOpsArmed Reconnaissance Helicopter Support for Chinook Operations – 03/2007 With the government’s stated intention to purchase CH147 (Chinook) helicopters, it is timely to confirm an employment doctrine. A review of CF doctrine, and that of allies, along with consideration of our previous and the present day experience of our allies, reveals that the CH 147 is a most capable medium/heavy lift helicopter. It can rapidly transport troops, logistics supplies and equipment over large distances in a brief time period for maximum tactical/strategic advantage; however, the helicopter does have employment limitations. CH147 Chinook helicopters will provide a significant tactical transport capability but will also be vulnerable in a threat environment. Appropriate support is required to mitigate this threat. To provide an interim capability, Griffon helicopters should be equipped and employed for armed escort/reconnaissance missions to support the CH147 operations. Serious consideration should be given to the procurement of a fleet of armed, reconnaissance helicopters, to provide a more permanent and capable solution. (Read more here…)

coverCanadian Forces Personnel Retention – 02/2007 Considerable focus has been placed on increased recruitment of personnel for augmenting the size of the Canadian Forces. This is in direct response to the stated Government priority of expanding from 62,000 to 75,000 Regular Force members and from 25,000 to 35,000 Reservists. Commendable effort has been made to increase numbers, but the absorption rate of new personnel is limited by the ability to properly train recruits and place them in effective operational positions. Recruiting and retention initiatives need to be maintained in a healthy balance in order to serve the short and long term needs of the air force. Every effort should be made to protect the investment made in the skills of CF personnel. Initiatives to increase retention and attract back to the air force individuals with the necessary qualifications should be pursued aggressively. The AFAC applauds the effort being made in this area and encourages continued application to meet the challenges of the future. Transforming the management of personnel readiness to one of greater flexibility and understanding of individual goals and priorities offers the potential for dramatic long term benefits for retention. (Read more here…)

snowbirdsContinuance of the Snowbirds – 01/2007 The Snowbirds have been an icon of the Canadian Forces since 1971 and perpetuate a long tradition of air demonstration teams in Canada. The nine-plane precision formation team, with its red and white Tutor aircraft, is a familiar sight to almost all Canadians and enjoys an exceptional level of recognition by everyone. Last summer the team members were recognized as guests of the Prime Minister in Parliament. Commemorative stamps and coins celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Snowbirds were issued during the same period. The Snowbirds are valuable ambassadors of the Canadian Forces and a recognized national icon. Consideration needs to be given to a new aircraft if they are going to be able to continue over the longer term. The Government should commit to the continuation of the Team through the acquisition of a new aircraft to replace the aging Tutors. The replacement aircraft should be representative of a fleet currently in service. Funding for this initiative should be provided over and above the current and projected Defence budget, so as not to compete for resources with those needed for the combat capabilities of the CF. (Read more here…)