CDS stepping down!
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Let's hope that they pick one that is competent and not one that will bend to their political will.
Amen to that. Our son phoned home today from the sandbox this A.M. saying everyone was pretty "bummed out" about Hilliard's announcement. Again.....Damn!
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Amen to that. Our son phoned home today from the sandbox this A.M. saying everyone was pretty "bummed out" about Hilliard's announcement. Again.....Damn!
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- Reaction score
- 68
- Points
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MND's Statement
Statement
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the resignation of General Rick Hillier
NR-08.028 - April 16, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the retirement of the Chief of the Defence Staff:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank General Hillier for his exceptional service to this country and for his unwavering commitment to the men and women in uniform who serve it everyday. I would also like to thank his wife, Joyce, his two sons, Chris and Steven, his daughter-in-law, Caroline, and specially his grandson, Jack, who lent us his grandfather for the last three years.
As Chief of the Defence Staff he made enormous contributions to the rebuilding of the Canadian Forces. We now see the Canadian Forces moving in a direction that will allow us to recruit more, contribute more and project Canadian values around the world. Working hand in hand with this Government, the CF once again has the capability of playing important, constructive roles both at home and anywhere they are asked to do so around the world.
As minister of National Defence I personally valued his advice and input on decisions affecting the department, the men and the women of the Canadian Forces and their families. His thoughtfulness and focus on mission success are qualities we can all admire.
As Chief of the Defence Staff and member of the Canadian Forces he’s given us many winning seasons, and should he ever end up in the front office of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, I’m convinced they would significantly increase their chances at winning a Stanley Cup.
Best of luck in your future endeavours and once again, thank you.
Statement
Statement by the Minister of National Defence on the resignation of General Rick Hillier
NR-08.028 - April 16, 2008
OTTAWA - The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, issued the following statement today on the retirement of the Chief of the Defence Staff:
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank General Hillier for his exceptional service to this country and for his unwavering commitment to the men and women in uniform who serve it everyday. I would also like to thank his wife, Joyce, his two sons, Chris and Steven, his daughter-in-law, Caroline, and specially his grandson, Jack, who lent us his grandfather for the last three years.
As Chief of the Defence Staff he made enormous contributions to the rebuilding of the Canadian Forces. We now see the Canadian Forces moving in a direction that will allow us to recruit more, contribute more and project Canadian values around the world. Working hand in hand with this Government, the CF once again has the capability of playing important, constructive roles both at home and anywhere they are asked to do so around the world.
As minister of National Defence I personally valued his advice and input on decisions affecting the department, the men and the women of the Canadian Forces and their families. His thoughtfulness and focus on mission success are qualities we can all admire.
As Chief of the Defence Staff and member of the Canadian Forces he’s given us many winning seasons, and should he ever end up in the front office of his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs, I’m convinced they would significantly increase their chances at winning a Stanley Cup.
Best of luck in your future endeavours and once again, thank you.
- Reaction score
- 2,566
- Points
- 1,260
Statement from PM:
Statement by the Prime Minister on the Resignation of Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick Hillier
15 April 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the planned retirement of General Rick Hillier as Chief of the Defence Staff:
“I would like to thank General Rick Hillier for his outstanding service to Canada and contributions to the Canadian Forces. Over a career that has spanned three decades, he has defined a singular dedication not only to the men and women with whom he has served, but to the country he has so proudly represented. He has championed the revitalization of our military and the dignity of those who choose to serve.
Canada’s military is a proud institution. Our Government is committed to its tradition of leadership and will continue to support our troops, to provide the tools they need and to ensure the security and effectiveness of everyone who wears the uniform.
Under General Hillier’s leadership, the fine young men and women of the Canadian Forces have stood among the greatest of their generation. They have demonstrated to Canadians and the world the conviction and compassion with which enduring legacies are built.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish General Hillier the best in his future endeavours.”
Statement by the Prime Minister on the Resignation of Chief of the Defence Staff General Rick Hillier
15 April 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement on the planned retirement of General Rick Hillier as Chief of the Defence Staff:
“I would like to thank General Rick Hillier for his outstanding service to Canada and contributions to the Canadian Forces. Over a career that has spanned three decades, he has defined a singular dedication not only to the men and women with whom he has served, but to the country he has so proudly represented. He has championed the revitalization of our military and the dignity of those who choose to serve.
Canada’s military is a proud institution. Our Government is committed to its tradition of leadership and will continue to support our troops, to provide the tools they need and to ensure the security and effectiveness of everyone who wears the uniform.
Under General Hillier’s leadership, the fine young men and women of the Canadian Forces have stood among the greatest of their generation. They have demonstrated to Canadians and the world the conviction and compassion with which enduring legacies are built.
On behalf of all Canadians, I wish General Hillier the best in his future endeavours.”
- Reaction score
- 1,450
- Points
- 1,260
Article in Toronto Star
No general should quit in times of war
There has to be a reason for Hillier departure
By PETER WORTHINGTON, TORONTO SUN
If it's true that the PM wanted Gen. Rick Hillier to stay on as Canada's top soldier for another two or three years, why did Hillier quit?
Sure, the tensions and frustrations of being chief of defence staff (CDS) are intense -- especially having to deal with politicians and outside criticisms rather than pure military matters.
But what commander leaves his troops in the middle of a war?
And while Canada, at home, seems at peace, our troops are in a real war in Afghanistan that is different from any other war we've fought, and in its way more demanding and nerve-wracking.
In war, leadership is vital -- the sort of leadership that Hillier provided better than any previous CDS in recent years.
Canada is now committed to staying in Afghanistan until at least 2011.
Should not the general who (1) has revitalized the army, (2) put tanks into the battlefield for the first time since Korea, (3) is considered the most effective chief of defence staff in memory and (4) is trusted by both the soldiers and the public, seen the job through to the end?
Would Gen. Patton take retirement before the war was won, while the battle still raged? Would Montgomery? Would Currie in World War I, or Simons in World War II, or MacArthur in the Pacific?
There's a difference between a general, or commander-in-chief, being fired or replaced, and one choosing to retire and take up a different profession.
Personally, I have difficulty understanding why Hillier would quit if he didn't have to. Especially when his country needs him, wants him, is reluctant to see him go.
Here is a career soldier, a guy who apparently tried to join the army at age 8, but had to wait until he was 17, who never seriously wanted to be anything but a soldier, and who is bailing out before the job is done. Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Defence Minister Peter MacKay have heaped praise on Hillier. Expressed regrets. Unless this is all an act and phony, they didn't want him replaced. And why would they?
Hillier was totally loyal to his calling. He talked straight, gave his views and assessment of situations the army faced -- then obeyed and adhered to whatever the government decided.
He wasn't like a couple of other generals who, at the time of the crisis in the Airborne Regiment, assured troops that they'd stand up for them -- and then wilted and capitulated when the regiment was disbanded. Some leadership.
According to the Canadian Press, the troops in Kandahar -- the region of battle -- are stunned and dismayed at his resignation. They feel lost, abandoned. From corporals to colonels, Hillier was a "hero" -- the one who revived the military, got them needed equipment, restored morale, spoke to them and for them. They must soldier on -- Hillier is merely moving on.
WAR CHANGES THINGS
Yes, the role of CDS is traditionally a three-year rotation -- the pinnacle of an exceptional officer's career. But not when there is a war going on. Again, no commander wants to leave until the battle's over.
In World War II, Andrew McNaughton headed the Canadian army until politics got in the way and he was replaced by Harry Crerar -- who commanded until the war's end.
My father trained and commanded an armoured division in World War II but, as a McNaughton man he, too, was replaced during the shakeup. It broke his heart not to take his beloved tanks into action. His replacement was soon fired and replaced when the division was beat up at Falaise.
The moral being -- no commander wants to quit. So why did Hillier quit, when by his nature he is anything but a quitter?
In the Korean war, the colourful Brig. John Rockingham was replaced as brigade commander by Pat Bogart, who was not effective and replaced by Jean Allard who was, arguably, Canada's most distinguished combat soldier.
In an interview with the Sun's Kathleen Harris, Hillier said the "worst thing" about his job was phone calls at 3 a.m. about casualties. One can understand that. But it comes with the territory, as Hillier knows better than anyone.
And far better to have a sensitive commander receiving those phone calls, than someone who doesn't care.
As Hillier himself has said, soldiers are not the public service: "Our job is to be able to kill people."
Yes, and his job is also to inform parents and families when one of theirs has been killed. Not easy, but necessary. Platoon commanders in the field do it -- so should generals.
Unless there are circumstances none of us know, Rick Hillier should not have resigned when he did. He should have stuck with his troops, who have always stuck with him, and continued serving his country and his soldiers until at least 2011 -- the target date when the Afghan mission may end. Article Link
No general should quit in times of war
There has to be a reason for Hillier departure
By PETER WORTHINGTON, TORONTO SUN
If it's true that the PM wanted Gen. Rick Hillier to stay on as Canada's top soldier for another two or three years, why did Hillier quit?
Sure, the tensions and frustrations of being chief of defence staff (CDS) are intense -- especially having to deal with politicians and outside criticisms rather than pure military matters.
But what commander leaves his troops in the middle of a war?
And while Canada, at home, seems at peace, our troops are in a real war in Afghanistan that is different from any other war we've fought, and in its way more demanding and nerve-wracking.
In war, leadership is vital -- the sort of leadership that Hillier provided better than any previous CDS in recent years.
Canada is now committed to staying in Afghanistan until at least 2011.
Should not the general who (1) has revitalized the army, (2) put tanks into the battlefield for the first time since Korea, (3) is considered the most effective chief of defence staff in memory and (4) is trusted by both the soldiers and the public, seen the job through to the end?
Would Gen. Patton take retirement before the war was won, while the battle still raged? Would Montgomery? Would Currie in World War I, or Simons in World War II, or MacArthur in the Pacific?
There's a difference between a general, or commander-in-chief, being fired or replaced, and one choosing to retire and take up a different profession.
Personally, I have difficulty understanding why Hillier would quit if he didn't have to. Especially when his country needs him, wants him, is reluctant to see him go.
Here is a career soldier, a guy who apparently tried to join the army at age 8, but had to wait until he was 17, who never seriously wanted to be anything but a soldier, and who is bailing out before the job is done. Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Defence Minister Peter MacKay have heaped praise on Hillier. Expressed regrets. Unless this is all an act and phony, they didn't want him replaced. And why would they?
Hillier was totally loyal to his calling. He talked straight, gave his views and assessment of situations the army faced -- then obeyed and adhered to whatever the government decided.
He wasn't like a couple of other generals who, at the time of the crisis in the Airborne Regiment, assured troops that they'd stand up for them -- and then wilted and capitulated when the regiment was disbanded. Some leadership.
According to the Canadian Press, the troops in Kandahar -- the region of battle -- are stunned and dismayed at his resignation. They feel lost, abandoned. From corporals to colonels, Hillier was a "hero" -- the one who revived the military, got them needed equipment, restored morale, spoke to them and for them. They must soldier on -- Hillier is merely moving on.
WAR CHANGES THINGS
Yes, the role of CDS is traditionally a three-year rotation -- the pinnacle of an exceptional officer's career. But not when there is a war going on. Again, no commander wants to leave until the battle's over.
In World War II, Andrew McNaughton headed the Canadian army until politics got in the way and he was replaced by Harry Crerar -- who commanded until the war's end.
My father trained and commanded an armoured division in World War II but, as a McNaughton man he, too, was replaced during the shakeup. It broke his heart not to take his beloved tanks into action. His replacement was soon fired and replaced when the division was beat up at Falaise.
The moral being -- no commander wants to quit. So why did Hillier quit, when by his nature he is anything but a quitter?
In the Korean war, the colourful Brig. John Rockingham was replaced as brigade commander by Pat Bogart, who was not effective and replaced by Jean Allard who was, arguably, Canada's most distinguished combat soldier.
In an interview with the Sun's Kathleen Harris, Hillier said the "worst thing" about his job was phone calls at 3 a.m. about casualties. One can understand that. But it comes with the territory, as Hillier knows better than anyone.
And far better to have a sensitive commander receiving those phone calls, than someone who doesn't care.
As Hillier himself has said, soldiers are not the public service: "Our job is to be able to kill people."
Yes, and his job is also to inform parents and families when one of theirs has been killed. Not easy, but necessary. Platoon commanders in the field do it -- so should generals.
Unless there are circumstances none of us know, Rick Hillier should not have resigned when he did. He should have stuck with his troops, who have always stuck with him, and continued serving his country and his soldiers until at least 2011 -- the target date when the Afghan mission may end. Article Link
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 410
One of the roles of the CDS is to develop and bring along his subordiantes so that they in turn are competent and capable of carrying the torch in his stead. NOT having someone to hand over the reins to would suggest that the current one failed to produce/develop "the next one"...
This is not the case. Time will tell how well his succession was prepared.
This is not the case. Time will tell how well his succession was prepared.
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 210
I apologize for taking the thread on a quick tangent but I have one burning question...
Is there a large ceremony that takes place when the Canadian Forces undergoes a Change of Command? If so where and what would it entail?
Is there a large ceremony that takes place when the Canadian Forces undergoes a Change of Command? If so where and what would it entail?
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