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Military set for dramatic remake

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Military set for dramatic remake
Hillier's shake-up to allow forces to respond faster to crisis

Objective is to better integrate army, navy and air force
Jan. 30, 2006. 01:00 AM
BRUCE CAMPION-SMITH
OTTAWA BUREAU


OTTAWA—Gen. Rick Hillier has made his reputation as the outspoken, no nonsense leader of Canada's military with statements like his public vow to hunt down "detestable murderers and scumbags."

But behind the scenes, he has spent his first year as head of the military quietly turning defence headquarters on its head.

Just how much will become apparent tomorrow, when Hillier will formally launch the creation of four new commands, laying the groundwork for a dramatic shake-up in how the military responds to crises at home and abroad.

The changes, described as "revolutionary" are meant to better integrate the three branches of the armed forces — air force, navy and army.

This will make it easier and faster to conduct the complex deployment of army units, aircraft and naval ships across Canada and the globe.

"It's not overnight revolutionary," one defence source said. "It will simplify and streamline the command structure for the whole Canadian Forces.

"All of our operational activities will be able to happen in a more streamlined, efficient way," the source said.

"It is a significant change."

Hillier took over last February with a pledge to make the military more responsive and effective.

"I have my very precise view on the way ahead — this army, navy and air force working as one team in the Canadian Forces," Hillier said at the time.

"We need to be much more effective at responding when our government and Canadians need us," he said.


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`It will simplify and streamline the command structure for the whole Canadian Forces.'

Unnamed defence source

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Tomorrow's announcement is a key plank in that goal as Hillier showcases the four new commands to officially take effect Wednesday:

Canada Command, headed by Vice Admiral Jean-Yves Forcier, will put a renewed focus on North American defence and security ties with the United States.

Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, commanded by Maj. Gen. Michel Gauthier. Known as CEFCOM, this command is anchored in history — it has the same name as the Canadian army in World War I. It will be responsible for all overseas deployments and eventually, will have a reaction force of navy destroyers, fighter jets, transport aircraft and army troops and equipment ready to deploy to global hotspots.

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Col. David Barr will take on the job of expanding the military's secretive and elite commando capabilities.

However, the military is also recruiting a 750-person special operations regiment and will add specialized helicopters and naval vessels to help move squad members quickly.

Barr says these new abilities are a "timely and logical" response to the new security environment.

"Special operations forces have evolved from a force of last resort to a force of choice — especially in the ongoing campaign against terrorism," Barr is quoted as saying on the defence department's website.

Canadian Operational Support Command headed by Brig. Gen. Daniel Benjamin.

At a ceremony in Ottawa tomorrow, Hillier will formally launch the four commands and introduce the top commanders who will head them.

While Hillier is leading the changes, defence insiders are keen to share the credit for the developments now underway.

They talk of the "odd couple" atop Canada's military — Hillier, the tall army general who provides the long-term view, and his second-in-command, Vice Admiral Ron Buck, a fireplug of a navy man who has the eye for detail.

"They make a remarkable team in terms of leadership and management," one source said.

 
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