Letter to the Editor: National Post
“Canada’s ragged reserves have too few vehicles, little ammo and now, no radios”
I am writing in response to an article published on June 27, 2016, regarding the current state of the Canadian Army Reserve and would like to clarify several points that would benefit your readers.
I have had the privilege of wearing an Army uniform for the last 31 years; 20 years of which have been as an Army Reserve Officer, and in that time, I have witnessed first-hand the professionalism and dedication of the entire Army Team. A Team comprised of Regular Forces, Reserve Forces, Canadian Rangers and civilians all working together to achieve our common objectives.
Let me first clarify the role of the Army Reserve which is a professional part-time force that provides local engagement and a responsive integrated capability, at home or abroad, in support of the Army mission. This role has evolved significantly since the Second World War, and is the rationale from which we currently organize, train and equip our Army Reserve.
In terms of concrete output, the emphasis is to have an Army Reserve that contributes with formed Arctic Response Company Groups and Territorial Battalion Groups on the domestic front and to reinforce individually and formed elements from 10 to 100 personnel with mission-task such as convoy escort, surveillance and force protection on overseas operations. To support the training requirement associated with those missions, the Army, in 2014, re-established Annual Summer Reserve Concentrations across all Divisions to provide an additional week of high quality training to the one night a week and one weekend a month of normal duty.
To set the record straight, it is true that radio equipment across the Canadian Army have commenced a life extension phase, but mitigation measures are in place to ensure that Units have access to what they need to conduct their mandated training and tasks. For example, when the Canadian Army identified there was an issue with vehicles, 80 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) were purchased to enhance the mobility of the Territorial Battalion Groups. We also centralized fleets of Military Patterned Vehicles and other essential equipment to Training Centres with views to facilitate their access, use and management. As for rations and ammunitions, I can assure you that there are rigorous management systems in place to ensure all Army Reserve Units have the necessary resources to conduct their mandated training.
In recent years, the urbanization and changing demographics throughout Canada have challenged the Canadian Army in relation to recruiting. To address this issue, the Canadian Army has made it a high priority to grow the Army Reserve by streamlining and decentralizing the recruiting process. For example, the Canadian Army has established 117 full-time recruiter positions at the unit level, reduced the initial course length to an optimum level, and is working hard to find ways to improve the retention of current members to ensure the Canadian Army maintains valued skills and experience.
What concerns me the most about your article is the insinuation that the Regular Army is not providing sufficient support to the Army Reserve out of fear or spite; this is a completely unsubstantiated statement. In fact this statement does more damage to our young Army reservists who consider themselves as part of One Team. My role as Chief of Staff – Army Reserve is to ensure our Reserve Units and soldiers are supported, and I can assure your readers that the Regular Force, Reserve Force, Canadian Rangers and our civilian members are truly part of the One Army Team.
I believe we have the right type of leaders in the Canadian Army to overcome our current challenges. While there remains work to be done as indicated in the recent OAG Report on Army Reserve, I am proud of the recent initiatives and ongoing changes we are making to the Canadian Army Reserve, so that it may continue to support the needs of the Government of Canada and their communities.
Strong – Proud - Ready,
Brigadier-General Rob Roy MacKenzie
Chief Of Staff - Army Reserve
Canadian Army Headquarters
