does canada have a good military?

Question

I ask this cause i keep hearing or reading on the net that canada does not have a military and that it expects the US to take of them. is this a joke as canada is mostly known for their peacekeeping efforts. As canadians do you guys think your military can defend canada against any threats or is it widely expected that the americans will come for you. Also currently does the US provide any security forces for Canada or any kind of security for you guys.
a question for canadians to answer

Answer 1

If you ask me, we've got one of the finest militaries in the world. Right up there with the Brits, and miles ahead of the US.

Before I get flamed left, right and center, allow me to explain.

I will admit that close to fifteen years of Liberal leadership left us crippled militarily and that a lot of our gear needs upgrading if not downright replacement. I will admit that we need more money, more support, more people, more gear.

But where we demark ourselves is in terms of training. The Canadian soldier, unlike his US counterpart, is not a highly focused specialist with only one job. We are a highly motivated, disciplined force of multi-disciplinary, cross-trained, versatile troops. No one has only one job, from generals to the lowliest privates and corporals. At low rank levels, in my line of work, I am expected to work some very advanced equipment, communicaitons suites, my own weapons (from the 9mm pistol to the 7.62 machinegun, going through grenades and anti-armour), drive a variety of vehicles from civilian pattern to a 15 ton 8-wheeled beast of an armoured vehicle, maintain my vehicles and equipment, do minor repairs on them. And all the while being employable in a rear-echelon strategic capacity as well as my current tactical unit position.

Also, from day one, we're expected to be problem-solvers. The staff in basic training will leave us in situations where our ability to think independantly will get us through quickly and easily instead of trudging through the slow way. Just like we are trained in leadership from day one. Also, while our rank progression can seem very slow and even appear to denote stupidity to our US counterparts (ie: Corporal For Life, a E4/E5 equivalent with 20 years in the service), it's in fact a finely tuned machine. We do not promote people only because they did well on a command exam or on technical capabilities alone. Instead, while job proficiency is looked at, we look primarily at leadership qualities, so that we have both job proficient people who have leadership abilities in the higher ranks, as opposed to someone who just knows his job inside and out but couldn't lead a horse to water.

And no, the US do not have any "security forces" stationned in Canada. We take care of our own internal security, thank you very much. As for our work overseas, I would like to point out that while we might not be in Iraq, the Canadians are the only one daring to operate in groups smaller than a battalion in the Panjwai district in Afghanistan, and that we're doing what the whole might of the Red Army was failing to do in the 80's. With only 2200 people on the ground.

So yeah, I'd say we're pretty damned good. But then again, I am very seriously biased.

Answer 2

I agree that the Canadian military is poorly equipped. Their tanks are ready for scrap...especially the Leopard Tanks, these are being used to "protect" the Afghans. At the same time you got to have your hats off for the Canadian soldiers being an ally to the Americans and protecting their interests. The Canadians are doing a marvellous job in Afghanistan. They are keeping the peace at the same time getting rid of the insurgents and protecting the American interests.
It's more like the Americans are expecting the Canadian military help at time to time when ever U.S.A gets in to the unnecessary conflicts around the war. The Canadians are true soldiers and true patriots they can defend this country. Canadians don't need any ones help to defend their country!!

Answer 3

Canada has an Armed forces contrary to what many Americans may think. Our Armed Forces consists of an Army, a Navy and an Air Force. While any armed force could always be better equipped, the Canadian Armed Forces has equipment that is up to the job. The Canadian Armed Forces are better trained than American forces and they are far more adaptable. They are just better soldiers.

As for defending our borders, we have defense agreements in place with the US since WW2 and the Cold War. Canadians and Americans serve side by side in a number of North American related defense situations. As members of NATO, Canadians and Americans train together with other western forces. We also have numerous exchange programs.

Besides, no good old boy from Alabama, is going to get past the Canadian border to invade Canada. He'll either get tangled up in his snow shoes or freeze to death in a snow bank ... :)

Answer 4

About 1/3 of BMQ (boot camp) at any one time was french. Some equipment is old school, but it works. We still use a lot of the same weapon as the US. The US has been even using some of our Canadian designed armoured vehicles. Compared to the US, anyone's military, as far as equipment goes, is a joke. It is starting to get better in the Canadian military.

Answer 5

A Canadian holds the world record for the longest confirmed sniper kill. What's that tell you.

The Canadian Forces is Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force, they are merged as one unit.

They have far less personnel compared to us (about 90,000 all told) and they spend far less $, but they still have dedicated men and women and very advanced technology. Also the Canadian government is currently in the process of adding approx 23,000 troops and increasing spending.

Although if another nation, such as Russia or China were to attempt to invade Canada their Armed Forces would be far to small to defend the country, however their allies would undoubtedly assist them, but they would, have, and do do the same for us.

Answer 6

During ww2 Canada had over a million men and women in uniform,Canada was fighting ww2 years before the US got involved,Canada received many battle awards,NORAD was joint effort between the US and Canada to defend North America ,Canada was respected around the World for their peace keeping efforts,no Canada don't need the US to protect it and no they don't want any US security forces any were near Canada,they will just keep supplying six month old children with passports to keep Bush happy,there such a terror threat.

Answer 7

The Canadian Military is damned good. Well trained, professional, etc. I'm a retired USAF officer and have liaised with them often.

Generally speaking ... great soldiers.

Answer 8

Canada has a small but excellent Military.We Americans have been aided by them many times.

Answer 9

Canada has a small but highly skilled and highly trained military.
Canada has been historically renowned for is tactical abilities.

Answer 10

lol are you serious? Canada has a a military they helped the Allies in WWI to Afghan...


BTW Friendly fire always happens in war....