Canadian military faces ‘death spiral’ on recruitment, defence minister says | Power & Politics

[@dsbarclayeng1]

Trudeau likes to blame Harper. Well... its been 8 years and Justin hasn't fixed it.

[@Avenus112]

Harper is Liberals' and social justice cultists' monster under the bed. When they mention him that's how you know they're the ones who actually screwed up.

[@davidfoltz8922]

Um?? He's one of the biggest welfare bum/professional politicians! @@SirRizzALot997

[@StonedSpagooter]

This is how I feel about the Sask party still complaining about a closed hospital in 96'

[@ADobbin1]

no, justin caused it.

[@Karlswebb]

He hasn’t blamed Harper for this, please stop lying my friend. This is happening everywhere in the west. We need to increase total military budget from 1.3% of GDP to 2% of GDP. We need to invest more in new weapons, new vehicles, and domestic 155mm production. Then we need to increase pay by roughly a third.

[@Caminator952]

Sounds like a failure in leadership

[@markrussell3428]

It is a massive failure in leadership and there is ZERO accountability. Bring back Gen Hillier to kick butt. National Post wrote about the failures perfectly, go ahead and google: "Canadian Forces white men"

[@madguitarist]

It's a decades long failure that has culminated to this point.

[@BC-li6zc]

It is a failure in long term planning. No government in Canada has ever given two hoots about defense of the country.

[@nickacorn]

Negative, a decade…meaning less than 10 years. Zero pride in country anymore.

[@madguitarist]

@@nickacorn the decline started long before Trudeau...as much as he's the clowne du jour, things were turning to s*** before he got his mitts on them. He just scooped it up and smeared it all over the place.

[@patrykdrozd2637]

What are we fighting for? Vets can’t afford to live in Canada .

[@jimmynolet3752]

vets? What about everyone else?

[@titaniumman_22]

@@jimmynolet3752The story is about military, not everyone else.

[@STATLECTRIC]

11 year disabled veteran here looking to leave Canada asap

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@titaniumman_22 Aaaaannnd THAT's the attitude that is a big part of the problem.

[@cephalotus1013]

Are you kidding? The CAF Pension is amazing....

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

Lets be honest. The problem is multi-faceted. 1. Young people have seen how veterans are treated in this country (very badly). 2. Young people are seeing our troops being sent on missions with inadequate, out of date personal equipment. Sometimes with essentials missing entirely. 3. Our planes, ships, and tanks are so out of date we can't even get the parts to repair them, in far too many instances. 4. All other equipment required for a military to properly function in the modern age, see #3. 5. Military housing used to be available at a reduced rate of rent, making it affordable to live on a military salary. Now they pay market rent, with no corresponding adjustment in pay, even when posted overseas. 6. People are, in general, no longer patriotic. The "ME" attitude has taken over from understanding the need to support each other and our way of life. 7. Rampant drug and alcohol abuse. 8. The general atmosphere in this country is one of loss of hope in most aspects of life. Especially if you are not one of the so-called "minorities". Of all of these, though, the single biggest problem is a serious lack of patriotism, thanks in large part to government policies which discourage it.

[@Ex0duZ85]

The main issue is retention. If people weren't leaving in droves then the current recruiting rate, or lack there of, wouldn't be as impactful as it is. What's happening internally is not being communicated to the public. The people reporting what the retention issues are to the senior level of the CAF; are being dismissed by the people that are causing the problem. The people are placated and don't have a voice when clearly articulating what they require in order to continue to serve; and they aren't asking for much - earned respect is one. And not from the Canadian public but from the people who are left in management roles. The personnel management system is archaic at best and as stated in the opening comments of this video, "if what you have been doing for decades is no longer working for you, you can't just keep doing it". Someone needs to explain that clearly to the people in the CAF in management positions, specifically in D Mil C and CMP.

[@JasonPutschker-xw9uf]

Don't forget rampant sexual disease and assaults and rapes within the military, plus the fact that you do more flood fighting and fire fighting and legit useless peacekeeping operations more than actual military operations 😂😂 if I join the forces, I join for combat not for stacking sandbags and tieing down freight 😂😂😂 plus 65,000 dollar max salary cap is bullshit.

[@anioretta]

Also, the kinds of people who are traditionally interested in voluntarily becoming soldiers might just not be interested in participating in today's flavour of Canadian military. Regardless of our political and ideological leanings, we might have to acknowledge that things like relaxed dress standards, affirmative action in recruitment and promotions (even if only perceived), policies around pronoun use, or even things like mandatory vaccines may all wind up having a net-negative impact on military recruitment and retention. We might not be able to have our cake and eat it too.

[@Maxmulham]

I generally agree but two issues with your post. Drug and alcohol use has always been a thing of the military. I would argue it's gotten better. There is no evidence it has gotten worse. The second is that military housing is still below market value. To suggest otherwise is lying. That said, many bases have short supply of military housing. It might be cheaper but the waitlist for military housing in areas that are expensive can be more than 2 years. And once you move in a place outside of base, you can no longer be eligible for military housing waitlist.

[@RH-km2du]

Very well said and I completely agree. Although , I feel there are still patriots out there but none of which are willing to serve under Trudeau. He made it very clear how he feels about patriotism during the convoy.

[@kh2726]

My son joined 10 months ago and is leaving in the fall, going back to school. No way anyone will join or stay for minimum wage. Pathetic

[@Amalekkkkk]

😂

[@MGICapitalFund]

Even though his stay was short, thank him for his service

[@audio323]

My immediate thought knowing nothing military. Every industry having mass exodus in last couple year is either bad work conditons (healthcare) or wages so low people cant live a decent life... or both.

[@markrussell3428]

@@audio323 Having joined and spent 35 years I didn't do so expecting to become rich financially. I was the first in my family to be part of the post-WWII military. What I achieved was an appreciation for how great this country is by being exposed to the turmoil in so many places around the world. In the early days of military life it was a challenge but I learned a trade, developed skills and realized my potential far exceed what I ever knew. I entered the CAF with nothing but desire and ambition and in return received rewards you just cant get anywhere else and I was also provided the funding to get that university education. If I had doubts I never would have encouraged my own children to join. One needs to appreciate you don't walk into a leadership position but the military will develop and prepare you for them. Money? Pay? After four years service its pretty competitive and those are four years spent investing in the individual. It is fair to ask if this is the same armed forces or have we slowly destroyed the institution.

[@Jay42207]

I hope he didn't do combat trades. He could've gotten free education in the military

[@saskwatch123]

Given our current federal government leadership, who would trust their competency and want to serve under them?

[@meaghanorlinski8464]

Harper (with Pierre in Parliament voting along the line) treated veterans horribly and undefended them at every turn.

[@MasonB88]

​@@meaghanorlinski8464I did 17 years and can confirm I had no issue with Harper. It's the Liberals, trust me.

[@kevindelaney1951]

@@MasonB88Both. My years of service 1967-96. Both betrayed our military & the Canadian voters have never made the status of the Canadian military a voting priority. Ever. When a Nation doesn’t care… it is obvious.

[@momtur4875]

@@meaghanorlinski8464 Don't forget they also CLOSE THE DOORS ON OUR VETERAN CENTERS that was the nail in the Conservative that how we got JT and people want to put PP in as prime Minister and now he has a groceries lobbyist in his cabinet what do people think is going to happen to food prices or policies look at what they did in Ontario taking in meat from Mexico that not inspector coming from Mexico it could be dead people who knows good way for the mafia to get rid of body

[@TheAmbex]

This has been a problem for decades. 20 years ago I tried to join, and I remember them already having recruitment issues. Certain positions came with extra ranks baked in if you joined.

[@Anonymous_Whisper]

The fact they care all if a sudden should worry many.

[@Amalekkkkk]

😂 underrated comment My G

[@kilb1100]

I totally agree. Hard to not feel hopeless

[@Anonymous_Whisper]

@@boomboxwagon draft

[@pinderp9706]

​@@boomboxwagon recruiting will turn into conscription

[@rigg4146]

@@boomboxwagon ww3 needs soldiers bud get your boots on

[@WithinMyLane]

Is anything going well in Canada?

[@nicksmith9]

Not really but compared to majority of countries in the world it's better still.

[@richjones6469]

Yes: immigration to maintain demographics and a shortfall in the birthrate.

[@jk9876]

number of genders?

[@WithinMyLane]

@@jk9876 infinity ➿

[@joshuamacdonald4913]

@@nicksmith9that is even slipping too. For years people come here for a better life have been turning around and going home. They are also warning others that it is not really better here. Again, not any more.

[@rogerdeyell3429]

No one wants to fight useless wars for ridiculous reasons

[@cephalotus1013]

You realize 95% of the jobs you'll see zero combat right?

[@rogerdeyell3429]

@@cephalotus1013 the way things are yes but things do change

[@79tazman]

before they are taught to be Army men they need to learn DEI first because being woke is the first thing a military person needs to know because you don't want anyone's feelings hurt or misgendered out on the battlefield

[@obergrupenfuhrer2359]

Yeah, that’s why I’m leaving

[@nickacorn]

I can tell you as an Afghan vet, things are now so bad, it is very hard for many of us to not believe that this chaos was all created on purpose.

[@BushcraftQuebec]

All these new migrants should serve 😂

[@nickacorn]

@@bonnyc392 I took one dose, had f’d up dreams and never took it again. So no, no issues so far lol.

[@giseleclark5008]

the Navy ships are falling apart. Members are sent on deployments understaffed and expected to do jobs they aren't qualified for. Also, the government forced members to be vaccinated or lose your job. Some chose to leave and now refuse to come back. Can't say i blame them.

[@kevindelaney1951]

As a retired service member, 1967-96, & who deployed overseas military members get needles. Lots of them. It’s not an option.

[@josephsmith594]

If you refuse to follow orders because you think it might be dangerous then you don’t belong in the military.

[@kevindelaney1951]

@@josephsmith594 One might wonder if a nation’s citizens might care enough for their military to provide equipment that might allow military personnel to live long enough to achieve success in battle.

[@JSaltyfabricator]

@@josephsmith594our ships are literally falling apart. Our ships go I to refit periods every 5 years and we regularly find hull plating g corroded down to the thickness of a few sheets of paper. Structural beams are literally rusting away. We know our jobs are dangerous. That's why most of us joined. But at larger, we are dealing with absolute negligence and told to just keep sailing over the horizon and try not to sink.

[@josephsmith594]

@@JSaltyfabricator I was replying to the “vaccine” nonsense.

[@marcchartrand36]

You should be asking the members who have left for your problem, I am a 21 year vet left in 96. You probably won't like the answer!!

[@ameerhamza4046]

Why you left??

[@markrussell3428]

@@ameerhamza4046 @marcchartrand36 why did you leave, we are curious.

[@MedicalAutonomyProject]

Same reason nobody asks nurses or teachers why they are leaving

[@GlasbanGorm]

@@MedicalAutonomyProject Those are women who cant have everything in the world. The military is fundamentally corrupt, and illegitimate.

[@InvisibleHotdog]

​@@markrussell3428 probably because of the "decade of darkness"

[@k24-z9e]

Identity politics has made its way into the CAF and is killing it.

[@jasonnolan394]

I hope Freeland loses her seat in the next election. So sick of seeing her standing there nodding along with that smug look on her face as Trudeau spouts nonsense.

[@chriscatherwood4806]

That smug look and smile is her happiness that her parrot Justin repeats everything she tells him to verbatim.

[@SaltedKillick]

Twitchy Witch is somethin else. A villain right out of Batman 😂

[@Lammy2023]

​@@SaltedKillick penguins girlfriend

[@mattcy1052]

She is not nodding. She is twitching. Something wrong with her.

[@underfire987]

​@@mattcy1052Demonic

[@davidgetchell630]

Im a veteran and i will always discourage my kids from joining the CF

[@BushcraftQuebec]

Soldiers think they are more better then civilians

[@angus7278]

I grew up in a military household, father was WW2 combat veteran, lived on military bases etc. But eventually joining as an adult NEVER ONCE crossed my mind.

[@marcleclair2261]

I agree. I did 19 years, left on 18 april 2022. I would never never never encourage any of my 3 kids to join ...... Woke policies, and CoC useless. Bunch of yes Sir/Mam

[@ganeshr4371]

Why is that ? Why you will discourage ???

[@Joybuzzard]

The 'recruitment' process is a major deterrent, for a lot of people trying to join it often feels like the armed forces is trying hard to discourage the kind of people from joining who would be the most likely to want to.

[@geminiblue6677]

Yea i applied 6 months ago and its still processing. My neighbour applied for fire dept and they got back to him 2 yrs later lol

[@Pius-XI]

I'm surprised Canada even has a military lol

[@kevindelaney1951]

I’m a 3rd generation, now retired, service member. My years of service 1967-96. My grandfather, pre WW1 infantry. x1 uncle WW2 infantry. x1 uncle WW2 Navy awarded a DSM & my father WW2 Airforce 32 missions with 101 Sqn. Both of our traditional governing parties diminished our military year after year post WW2. Both Conservatives & Liberals didn’t help our Veterans. Veterans retire to communities. Communities where Canada goes to try & recruit. Since the end of WW2 the Canadian voting public has not made the status of our military a voting priority. Politicians respond in kind by not making our military a priority. The roles played in NATO during my time are now not viable. Canada is under strength & under equipped. To fix it will take 10 years.

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

I agree that both parties are guilty of not making the military a priority, but one thing I have noticed, is that whenever the Conservatives have ordered new equipment in recent years, the Liberals have turned around and cancelled the orders. If they re-order, it is always for equipment that is used, already out of date, or inadequate for the purpose.

[@kevindelaney1951]

@@DeborahHamilton-q1w Looking at the timeline of Canada in Afghanistan… the equipment used there was beaten up. Replacement of that kit should have begun under Harper & carried on by Trudeau. Neither bothered.

[@kevindelaney1951]

@@DeborahHamilton-q1w Further… the whole CF 18 replacement farce… fully owned by both. Now moving on to navy resupply ships… again a failure by both.

[@lougarou8431]

Ten years minimum if they get the appropriate funding. In order for this to happen, we would unfortunate need a big terrorism or attack on our nation for this to happen. Until then, the government will prioritize social programs over our national security.

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@kevindelaney1951 Couldn't agree more. But was it not during this period that Harper was trying to acquire things like new aircraft? At least he made some attempt to upgrade. How long did it take for the military to acquire something more modern than FNC2s? The fault not only lies with the government's disinterest, it also lies with those responsible for procurement. The entire system needs updating.

[@anioretta]

I'm baffled by all the head-scratching about recruitment and retention. The solutions seem extremely obvious to me, but no one at the necessary pay level wants to say it apparently.

[@markrussell3428]

Actually the pay is comparably compensation for someone who joins an organization with no skills but simply a desire and ambition. After four years an individual is paid decently but if becoming financially rich is your motivation for joining the CAF - your ambition is incorrect.

[@anioretta]

@@markrussell3428 I wasn't lamenting military pay. I was talking about people who are high up in the organization (ie, making the higher pay), who have the power to make changes, not being willing to identify the real issues.

[@SpiTFir3z]

​@@aniorettaThe CF is woke and doesnt want white men, everything else is BS

[@markrussell3428]

@@anioretta Thanks. I was asking you what the real issues are.

[@MedicalAutonomyProject]

@@markrussell3428 Uhhhhh pretty sure oil rig jobs are 6 figure and run a lower risk of PTSD or coming back in a body bag

[@scottandterrimusic3677]

It is amazing that these discussions keep taking place without discussing Veterans Affairs. The word is out. You will not be taken care of after your service. The military doesn't have a recruitment problem, it has a Veterans Affairs problem.

[@terrysmith6199]

It’s not just underfunding it’s how we treat our vets, if you serve in a war you shouldn’t have to worry about how you’re going to house and feed yourself!!

[@craigirvine870]

Lmfap that’s not 58 percent of full capacity it’s 58 percent of what we have availabe

[@I-md6mq]

Trudeau asks for more than they can give, end of story.

[@LegendofNelda]

No one should joing a military of a country that doesnt allow its citizens the right to bear a rms for self defense.

[@brianladder4710]

Spot on!

[@Star-um9cz]

Ludicrously true. Self defence shouldn’t be against the law, if it is then that’s tyranny by all accounts. No excuses.

[@VanMoose22]

I applied when I was 18...........I really wanted to be a army guy. I trained for years to meet the physical qualifications prior to applying I could almost double the requirements. My grades weren't the best but I learned........ thankfully you gave me the runaround and were completely unprofessional..... I have since learned throughout the years who is a military actually works for..... No thank you, and if you ever consider a draft come and find me........ I will fight for my province but I will not fight for the country......... I cannot call myself a proud Canadian due to the doubt brought forth by the government officials in the capacity of their duties

[@linhluong9250]

How can we win a war in a military when the Federal gov't put tampax in a men wash rooms? It's embarrassing for Canadian military, I don't blame them for their leaving.

[@theehans]

Well, with how its run from the inside, its not really surprising.

[@smity25ca]

The CDS Wayne Eire gave an unlawful order and nothing but crickets 🤦‍♂️🤡 it’s the useless officer corps 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@redMrCrayon]

Bad take

[@jarrybruce9166]

How about NOT SENDING OVER 10 BILLION DOLLARS TO UKRAINE, 1.4 BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR TO CBC....OUR PRIORITIES HAVE TO BE REVISITED....

[@gigglesaregood]

I was in the Canadian Forces. This is a great organization to work for. I would recommend two things: increase the pace of the training cycles and increase the pay rates to match or exceed the civilian rates for similar jobs. Thank you to the Canadian Forces and Veterans Affairs for both being wonderful to me. Cheers

[@-WhizzBang-]

Being a current full time Military member, we have made it VERY CLEAR to them what needed to be done differently for that past several years. And they don;t care, Nothing has changed. And they like to blame Covid, which really has nothing to do with it! They brought this on to themselves!

[@tinviper123]

Treat soldiers and veterans like garbage and this is what happens!

[@ianspeedy]

oh trust me they are treated worst than garbage and you expect people to line up to join the military... get hurt and then have no support... I think the younger generation are getting smarter by seeing this right away and saying No thank you... keep your less than minimal wages to yourself I want to build a career and good living for myself and family...

[@alexandrefisher980]

How about you do a panel that includes some people who left at different rank levels, and not just one of these retired generals who's well practiced at political speak. There are some simple tangible changes to be made, rather than the vague talk we heard here.

[@andrewtaylor4554]

My stepson was talking about joining , I told him no fkn way n laid some facts on him . He changed his mind . Love my country but not those that run it .

[@notastone4832]

my father said something similar.. and my friends in the forces warned me away too.. god bless them honestly

[@ianspeedy]

you got a good advise god bless them.... as soon as you get hurt in the military you are done....and its not a matter of If its a matter of when... and you will have no real support and your life is ruined@@notastone4832

[@Pius-XI]

Doesn't he want to serve his King and his wife lol

[@Mark-fh5lp]

Canada is a joke. After 30 years here in this dump, finished college and university here, joined as a military officer in the RCN, I am getting a 2nd passport and heading to Asia, going through the process now. Good luck, North America is failing.

[@markmielke5283]

Mabuhay!

[@Joseph-kd1zz]

which country passport are you planing to get if you don't mind me asking ?

[@underfire987]

Or you could stay and fight said evil in power?

[@peterkyriopoulos2684]

He lied about investing more. They slashed the budget

[@humbugswangkerton9972]

This is what happens when you foster a culture of always feeling ashamed about our past, you get a population who is indifferent to the future of the country and always looking for an opportunity elsewhere.

[@kyaksich7076]

CBC left the comments on! Be ye warned who enters here.

[@brianladder4710]

👍 that's the most concerning part about this whole thing lol

[@jpclost7396]

You need to talk to more NCM’s as a huge problem in the military is the Officers and everything they are getting away with. That is why myself and many others have left.

[@georgee9250]

This is fact they ask and don’t listen. Or refuse to. Or act and make it worse. A leader is not made by a degree or location or who you know start promoting from within the ranks On Merit Alone!

[@cephalotus1013]

@@georgee9250 As someone who was NCM for 14 out of 16 years of their career, senior NCOs are the biggest problem. You wanna talk about someone not listening....

[@ianspeedy]

sorry to say but they don't give a Sh*t and this reflects on why the number is down and thinking they can fix it now....

[@davidlea5155]

What person in their right mind would want to go risk their life for Justin Trudeau? Not me. Soldiering is about patriotism, not completely money.

[@Aaron-mn8gw]

"Get the jab or get out" and no chance of a government job again. Didn't help with retention.

[@DaveC-sx3gl]

There are many things that could help improve the morale in the Canadian Armed Forces. Improve their pay, how about not charging them for their food or lodging when they live on base, make it easier for them to travel to their families. A soldier who lives on base in Petawawa who wants to visit family in Toronto must either take an 8 hour bus ride or take a bus from Petawawa to Ottawa which gets there too late to catch the train so they must sleep in the train station until the following day when the first train arrives in the morning. Improve the condition of the barracks, broken cupboards, windows, fences. Have the sidewalks shoveled in the winter....show you give rats a$$.

[@Richard-gi9cj]

Canadian government needs to stop giving money away. Stop giving themselves pay raises. The tax dollars need to the military and the overall countries strength

[@LucasSmart-nz8nu]

Maybe if they took sexual assault seriously people wouldn't leave so quickly. Low wages, getting moved around, toxic environment, not Surprising people leave.

[@markrussell3428]

Please. Put 120,000 people together do you think there might be some inappropriate interactions?

[@jackgraves5121]

Don't make excuses for s/a in the service. It's one f'd up enviroment.

[@GeneralNuisance00]

Can confirm - I was considering joining the Navy when I graduated high school, as I'd spent 6 years in sea cadets by that point. My aunt (who held the rank of Lt(N) at the time) told me not to do it, that there was a high chance I'd be sexually assaulted and that my assailant would face no consequences for it. I mentionned that I had, in the past, considered joining the RCN to one of my coding professors, a former RCAF pilot - he said the same thing, that women should avoid joining until the military takes sexual assault seriously. I am currently looking at a tech job elsewhere, preferably in the civilian public service once I finish my diploma in Network Engineering.

[@nickacorn]

@@GeneralNuisance00I bet the Chinese and Russians breathed a collective sigh of relief you didn’t join the navy.

[@cephalotus1013]

Low wages? OK LOL

[@garygjl9036]

The government of Canada does NOT take its duty to look after its Members and Veterans seriously. That said the CF and DND has failed Canadians to make its member responsible for basic things as fitness, ready to deploy. This is wrong. The talent in Canada is deep. Military service is an honourable career and life. Join.

[@markrussell3428]

I spent 35 years in the CAF and served outside of our country on multiple deployed operations. Yes, I have lost hearing and my body feels a little beaten up (for sure) but I do not feel the VAC has let me down - actually just the opposite. Service has such massive benefits that I wish others had the same opportunity to see how fortunate we are in this country.

[@ManiaBeats]

@@markrussell3428i wonder if the majority of people who left the CF feel the same way? But the numbers of people leaving and low recruitment indicate that there clearly is a problem with the CF

[@markrussell3428]

@@ManiaBeats Fair question.

[@ProfessorxVile]

Canadians have failed the CAF by not prioritizing defence and allowing the government to run it into the ground, so Canadians ultimately end up with the military they deserve.

[@cephalotus1013]

BS. How many careers in Canada can you get an immediate pension upon losing your job due to medical reasons? Most careers in Canada you'll end up on disability....(fun fact, it's very little money).

[@shawnomack3927]

Ever quit a job before? What were your reasons? -Poor pay -Incompetent management -Took a better offer What were the costs of working that job? No weekends? Inflexible schedule? Could they order you into harms way knowing full well it could cost you your life? Unlimited liability. (Don't know what it is look it up) All CAF members who sign the dotted line are subject to this. The degradation of Canada has made it not worth dying for. Canada is a joke on the world stage, with countries not taking us seriously anymore, and I don't blame them. We're not a world player anymore. These members that are leaving the forces all go through an exit/retention interview. (Can we change your mind, why are you leaving, I'll give you this carrot if you stay) So it would be recorded as to why members left. If only the Government used this data to change things so that people would return to the ranks. Instead they gave us beards, let us smoke weed, and loosened the dress and deportment regulations to such an extent that we now visually represent the clown show that Canada has turned into. Members are leaving the CAF for greener pastures, and the powers to be are too ignorant and blind to eat crow and fix it.

[@TheeYellowDart]

In fairness they didn't loosen dress regs perse, but when you loosen other attributes of discipline, it doesn't take long for it to meander into other aspects of military ethos. It also, objectively looks terrible. The juxtaposition of a proper uniform along with unkempt hair and beard is jarring and can't be ignored.

[@onlymusic6390]

I'll list a few reasons, it takes them 2 years to process an application to be processed for people that actually want to join, pay is beyond crap, benifits are almost non existant. Government support is never there.

[@Jay-nq2jl]

From Vimy ridge to captain happy socks….how far we have fallen

[@hassaanvault]

Such a great sight when a suited millionaire asking why people are not sending their minimum-waged sons and daughters to fight illegal wars on behalf of NATO. And why overburdened Canadian taxpayers are not paying even more to feed weapons manufacturer. Crumbling healthcare and a crashing economy; but of course no better thing to do with taxpayer money to pay for illegal wars. I’m curious to know “who the retired general is working for” ? Any lobbyists or weapons manufacturers or military consulting ? Apparently, mainstream media is pretty bad in disclosing information about their “guests/experts”

[@trollfeeder]

I would be open to defending our country under 1 condition, J.T gets put in jail as he should be, I will never be affiliated with the Canadian Government as long as we have a troll in charge.

[@rickylafleur1446]

Who would want to fight 'Justin Trudeau's' wars?

[@timphiey]

We left because it's a joke.

[@investing4everyonevideos303]

when you find women hygiene products in mens washroom, you know your military is failing..

[@ianspeedy]

maybe that was a prank....

[@ftrudy6053]

the canadian soldiers in POLAND have to buy their own goods and submit receipts to the gov for compensation lol.. the equipment isnt world class either ..

[@cephalotus1013]

Sigh, if only you had any idea what you're talking about. You don't have to submit receipts for purchasing meals....it's a set rate.....in fact, 99% of CAF members prefer this as you eat what you want and make extra $$$. Now it's true there is a delay in members getting reimbursed but that's not the government's fault. That is poor financial management of the chain of command responsible for those personnel. This happens all the time....they even can issue you advanced payment....

[@InvisibleHotdog]

​@@cephalotus1013 if only you knew what you were talking about - they had to buy their own ballistic helmets

[@ianspeedy]

will since you know it... you know that those issues either reimbursement or pay are important for young soldiers and it needs to be done right every time...when soldiers continue to see failure in getting things right on top of the poor pay system and on top of poor treatment... trust me they will leave .. for a better managed organization.... @@cephalotus1013

[@cephalotus1013]

@@InvisibleHotdog No they didn't. They CHOSE to buy their own. This is nothing new, it's been happening for centuries in all nations.

[@InvisibleHotdog]

@@cephalotus1013 it was literally reported that they had to buy their own stuff because of massive equipment shortages in the CAF, please educate yourself

[@georgej7077]

Build housing, pay a living wage, and you'll attract young people. Especially when they can't find housing elsewhere in general.

[@Orthanc6]

The most demanding job on the individual and their family should pay more than a living wage. If we double the current pay then we might start digging out of this hole.

[@DeborahHamilton-q1w]

@@Orthanc6 The military needs people who are dedicated to their country, first and foremost. Doubling the current pay may help, but that is not the main issue.

[@rettbutler1312]

The problem is that the Canadian military is trying to entice people who are dedicated to the USA and its foreign wars. People are no longer interested. Canadians want peace and recognize that there is no pay-off in dying young for nothing.​@user-fe7mg5ot9z

[@rbesfe]

@@DeborahHamilton-q1wThere are plenty of people dedicated to this country who are avoiding the military because they know it will destroy them financially

[@PEJK6771]

@@rbesfethey also demonize the largest demographic that would join the military

[@James-eq8cq]

We're having the same issues with the trades, just like the military. We can't get enough people to get into the trades. It's not that the money is unattractive. People just don't want the chance of physical deterioration. But I'd argue that our bodies break down over time regardless of your profession. The issue is people younger than 40 have become increasingly soft and self-centered. The problem with the armed forces isn't just funding - the pool of applicants isn't what it was decades ago. Don't believe me? Compare young people of today to young people of the 1930s-1960s. Very different breed.

[@dandesjardins6875]

@James-eq8cq: Out of all the comments, I think your comment is the most realistic one. I was an electrician in both the CAF and as a civilian. All western countries are facing the same problems, which I think are rooted in our schools.

[@JSaltyfabricator]

Mostly true, but trust me, we have been scuttled due to a lack of funding.

[@InvisibleHotdog]

Or maybe they have the sense not to join a system that isn't going to respect or invest in them

[@Laissez-faire402]

Sorry, but this is crap. The problem isn't that people are too soft and self-centered, the problem is that this country has become one that isn't worthy of serving. The problem starts right at the top.

[@hassanahmad2290]

... may be stop only doing what the UK and US want us to do and people will care to join the military because they believe Canada will have a good reason to deploy anyone, Canada was once known as a peacekeeper...

[@DaKrawnik]

Country is divided.

[@jonro2955]

That is what woke does. It divides to make the population weak so that the tyrannical governmental forces can dominate

[@Peabodyout]

Ok Nato came out with the 2% of gdp in 2014. Trudeau was voted PM 2015. Yes our military was underfunded before Trudeau but he was in charge during most of the last 10 years. How many guns could his 80 k Jamaican vacation with friends helped. Arivscam increasing public servants by 40%. CBC funding so CEO can live in New York and shuttle to Toronto when need be. Freeland biking yet using a lot of limo and uber services in her neighborhood. If we don't need change now I am lost when we do.

[@dallassegno]

What would you be fighting for? For who? Lol, Justin? Ha ha ha BaaaHAHAHAAAA

[@CensorMeNot-dv5lg]

"The quickest way out of a hole is to stop digging..." -Bill Blair 😂👍

[@john_doe_not_found]

Recruitment always boils down to money. Pay people a wage worth taking a bullet for, and more people will sign up. Also, Canada is well educated, they see Taiwan and Ukraine and the Middle East and know they might have to go there if they sign up. Why take the risk for such a small amount of money? Minimum wage full time worker earns about 32,000/yr. A private earns about 50,000/yr. Wanna maybe go to a war zone for such a small amount of money? The fact our government is even addressing this problem means their intel team has told them a war with China or Russia is far more likely than it has ever been. Want to sign up?

[@Abeysampson]

Canadians please call your MP across the country and ask them to defund CBC save $1.6 billion tax payers money help our Vets please.

[@fre7717]

we need to stop funding unrwa and other refugee programs, and redirect funding for canadian benefit. i didn't have a say in this unrwa funding and other refugee programs. need to vote conservative. i was in the bus and some of my fellow Canadians were chatting that refugees get higher priority for low income housing slots. this isn't right. one guy was sleep on the couch in his sister's house. i felt so sad.

[@Brad.777]

No one wats to fight for this country under Trudeau!

[@TripleJDigs]

I heard through the grapevine that there’s not enough pads in the men’s washroom

[@DAC1979]

Im a patriot and will volunteer if we are ever invaded, but im not volunteering to go fight Russians or the Chinese in some far away land.

[@TSM260]

Few problems 1.The liberals. They continue to prove their incompetence everyday 2.Poor spending, we have equipped Ukraine better than our own military 10x over. We like building other countties militaries in hopes if we are ever invaded they'll save us 3.Lack of equipment 4.Entry to the military is to complex 5.Recruitment. in the US the military goes out an actively recruits, Canada sits on its hands. 6. Offer an incentive, free university, 50% down payment on a home after a 4-5 year commitment 7.Higher salaries

[@johncocksmith2693]

I think that people generally (including leadership within the CAF and politicians) have no idea why Canadians aren’t enrolling. Retention is a completely different issue and the two are often conflated. I’ve served as an officer for about 10 years, plus a period of a couple of years where I was out in the middle of that service. Before I reenrolled I lived in Vancouver for a period of time. Something that was very apparent to me regarding the state of the CAF is this. The Canadian military is not culturally relevant to Canadians. I had the same conversations with people over and over again. It was essentially two things 1) they didn’t not barely had a sense that Canada had a military; and 2) they had no idea what the military did or what sorts of employment or opportunities the CAF affords. This phenomenon is especially poignant in our cities. And demographically this is a major issue because 50% of Canadians live in the 7 most populous cities. The military, and I would argument most public institutions, will never be healthy in Canada again unless there is a national cultural rebirth.

[@jonmorris1215]

It’s not about recruitment… it’s about retention. A Pte can’t train a Pte.

[@TheeYellowDart]

Yes, but it is both. The CAF when compared to our allies I feel is a more mature military. There's a shelf life for guys and gals in hard trades. That being said...we could do better taking care of member health, both mentally and physically.

[@antiderrida2117]

Maybe if we focus on LGBT recruitment, that should work

[@JSaltyfabricator]

How about you reverse CFHA, give us a fair pay raise, and reinstate PLD. If you stop giving us pay cuts and budget cuts, all the while bragging about how the Treasury Board saved 30 million dollars, maybe the troops will trust you.

[@nickacorn]

Well said.

[@PaulKriger]

Old wise people said:” If you not feeding your own army - sooner or later you’ll feed the foreign army .”

[@markmielke5283]

After 7 days the most important comment in this thread finally gets a like.

[@MrAwesomal]

Why would people join when active service members are homeless just to go in and have little confidence in leadership that is more focused on punishing Facebook posts and the constant sensitivity training instead of doing the job hard imagine deploying and your family lives in a tent back home

[@aaronfitz5057]

The good vs Evil and Canada is on the wrong side. Fighting a wrong cause. Noone wants to do the wrong thing

[@angus7278]

Who is this “noone” person you’re referring to?

[@aaronfitz5057]

@angus7278 normal Canadians and normal every day people

[@davidgetchell630]

Im a vet and im doing ok no thanks to veterans affairs. I have many homless veteran friends.

[@RS22NDSQUIRREL]

Thank you for your service, I’ll be joining in April to do my part

[@davidgetchell630]

@@RS22NDSQUIRREL good luck to you

[@QuantumNaut]

Don't waste your life following some fools orders.

[@timstarkes173]

The experience for young men is incredible. I loved my 6 years in.

[@garygjl9036]

The CF commissioned officers are more concerned about a mandatory beer call on Thursdays, and hockey tickets to the NHL than their own level of fitness. Meanwhile, non commissioned members are doing their jobs.

[@TheeYellowDart]

Not to mention we are currently bloated at the General Staff level.

[@davidnearing171]

Put the money AND equipment into it and as they say, they will come!!!

[@lysolownway6941]

We still have a military?

[@davidia8000]

what did he invest in? My friends from the airforce told me that they spend 100hrs fixing a helicopter for 2 hrs of flight

[@simardsquad7039]

Something that hasn’t been mentioned is people lacking a sense of nationalism. Our family went to the northern light show at parliament hill last summer and everybody used to stand for the national anthem at the end. This year our family were the only ones who stood for the national anthem on our side of the field. Some schools no longer play the national anthem and instead do land acknowledgements (creating a sense of shame vs nationalism). Land acknowledgements and national pride don’t have to be opposites. When doing a survey people were asked the following questions… is Canada a country you can be proud of? How do you see yourself in Canadian history? Is Canada a better country now than it used to be? It’s very discouraging to see the responses to these questions and I truly think it reveals why enlistment in the military is declining.

[@TheeYellowDart]

This is actually a great point. It's hard to convince young men and women to live a life a sacrifice for their country when you constantly shame them for simply existing.

[@andyroo7206]

I would never join the military to fight for Canada, there's nothing really worth fighting for. I'd fight to get our freedom back and I'll do that by voting for Polievre.

[@blackgrandpa7652]

Veterans are treated like crap inside and outside if the military the young kids can't afford anything so what are they fighting for

[@kevintikivik]

Military operations have also changed. Many factors to consider. Men with C-7’s or people with remote operated weapons ? It seems peace is only a page on history.

[@StettlerBurns]

I can sure agree, Canada does really need to invest in the arctic… in a huge way!

[@tw8060]

What is scary is Russia could launch missiles from the arctic and could hit Canadian Cities maybe even as Far south as the Northern States. We all see what is going on in Ukraine if anything shall happen it will be from the Arctic where we have nothing but Rangers , Not even an Arctic Port Promised... Alaska has more air assets and Military than Canada's entire , air , Navy and Army how long are we going to Depend on The US. Especially if Trump gets elected.

[@saskwatch123]

Maybe not antagonizing our Arctic neighbor with every act might be useful as well.

[@norb.engineering]

@@saskwatch123 capitulate is what you have in mind!

[@saskwatch123]

@@norb.engineering You've been brainwashed.

[@seanhiggins2740]

Capitulate to who? We're not at war with anyone and we need to stay that way.@@norb.engineering

[@katiemclean9089]

News for Trudeau The Canadian Troops in Poland assisting the Ukrainians , were sent with not kitchen or food supplies . They were told to buy their food where ever they could and pay FROM THEIR OWN POCKET. In NATO exercises in Latvia , Canadian Troops did not have proper Body Armor and Helmets . They had to borrow from the Danes , who were supplied with equipment made in Canada C A McLean

[@angus7278]

How about we stop wasting time and money on military ventures in foreign countries like Poland to please the American Empire and focus on Canada instead?

[@chriscowan6630]

Just noticing this now huh Bill....well done!

[@mikeperry9030]

Some province's, new recruits are waiting 8 to 10 months to get in.

[@JSaltyfabricator]

Even longer in some areas. Waits up to 2 years are being reported.

[@gabriellef3351]

I started the recruitment process twice and it was sooo long i got hired elsewhere both times

[@jaysingh6418]

@@gabriellef3351 Same here applicant from 2020 I gave up :)

[@bountyhunter288]

Longer than that, been trying for years

[@ianspeedy]

Yeah that tells you they have incompetent people there at the top.....

[@TnTTyler]

The pay is downright garbage

[@Ekowal1965]

Why would anybody be surprised ? The quality of armed forces resembles The quality of federal government.

[@ianspeedy]

no necessarily it resembles the type of leadership in the military... which is failing its soldiers...

[@BMC_self-invent]

Two things, Open more bases. Assign new recruits to bases within their home province or close to. Up their pay.

[@michaelhamm6805]

You threw away the minimum standard. Todays soldiers look like bags of you know what...there is no pride in their uniform, or their appearance...they have become slovenly...and those who joined when the standard was there and gave them pride...they are leaving in droves. They cannot stand the "new" breed of soldier...which is really just a civilian destroying centuries of pride.

[@slowjamsliver7006]

Why don't you join then, if you feel they are so lacking?

[@theehans]

boomer standards are not our standards

[@conwaysmith9167]

Explain to me how the length of member's hair, or whether they have tattoos, or if they have a beard inhibits their ability to do their job.

[@Ex0duZ85]

Not at all the issue. No one, except those on the brink of retirement, care how people look. Physical uniformity was designed to compliment professionalism. Today's soldiers have the ability to be far more competent at their specialty skills than previous generations. The management doesn't allow competence to be incentivized; in fact, it's punished. So why would anyone stay if you're either directly or indirectly reprimanded for increasing your competency?

[@RH-km2du]

They’re promoting pride, just the other kind.

[@spawn11]

They talking all sorts of sh*t which is useless but no one talking about higher wages which starts at bottom rank from day one of getting uniform. No one got time to wait 5 years to reach 80,000$/year

[@Jamallo369]

It takes 1-2 years just to join

[@BushcraftQuebec]

And 1 or 2 years of waiting on a base after tour qmb

[@ianspeedy]

Yeah that's called wast of your life..... @@BushcraftQuebec

[@stevenjohn1470]

Why do they ask generals who have lead the CAF to this point how to fix the issues now? If canada wanted a strong military sort out procurement, and focus on protecting canada.

[@scott234ca]

Military spending is like insurance; you have it in case you need it, but hope you do not use it. We will never match the US, but that should not stop us from spending for quality equipment and good compensation for those who serve. That will mean taxes. You cannot have it both ways.

[@wileycoyotegenius1]

Why would any young person want to join the Canadian forces only to be used by our fascist government. we also do not want to go aid Israel committing atrocities

[@StettlerBurns]

I don’t believe you are doing enough, you cannot reduced manpower and material and call it adding more funding! Get your head in gear!

[@bryankerr9174]

It should be in CBC's mandate to promote the Canadian military. Wouldn't this be a obvious job for an essential, national, state-funded broadcaster? Where has CBC been on this file the last 50 years? Search their online content, there is no effort made.

[@LD-Orbs]

The CBC supports the government. The government has been defunding the military for decades.

[@shawnjackson2307]

Lets go Brandeau