Hmmm OK here's my two cents on Captain Crunch's formula to fix the forces.
1) I'm not a fan of the S-92 Superhawks but the fact is - their ours now. I'm sure there's a monster penalty clause in it given the last flip/flop for the EH's that make it impossible to bail. They may not be the best out there, but they probably won't be a slouch and quite frankly I'm sure the crews would welcome even a Bell Jet Ranger instead of having to fly those POS SeaKings. Something is better than nothing.
2) Increased Tactical Air Transport capacity. Our existing fleet of CC-130 Hercs is worn out. Airlift capacity can be used in a variety of means from disaster relief within our own borders to Peacekeeping making it quite palatable to sell politically. The strategic/tactial nature of C-17's would be a dream, but given our procurement habits - Airbus A400M or C130J's are probably more realistic (I'd much prefer the A400M). 12-15 of these would do nicely. Our smaller Buffalo and Twin Otter plane are getting a little long in the tooth too.
3) Going to have to disagree with the though on getting new main battle tanks, as I don't think we have the tactical air assets to support their usage. They'd get shredded in a hurry. I guess the question is whether we're equipping for an all out WW3 scenario or a Peacekeeping / Desert Storm type of skirmish. Quite frankly I don't think heavy armour is a Canadian specialty and getting MBT's might be more symbolic than anything. Anti armour capabilites are improtant though, and can be addressed via new Anti-Tank guided missiles. Replace the Carl Gustavs we have with something from the new generation of tank killers, Javelins perhaps. Far more cost effective than new MBTs.
4) Increased Sealife capacity. See above arguments for new Airlift. 4 ro/ro's should do nicely.
5) Agree with our need for better AEW and surveillance aircraft. Australia has new 737 based AEW aircraft on the boards, which wouled be nice. Leasing full E-3 Sentry AEW planes would be nice but I think they're too manpower intensive for Canada. There's got to be some newer AEW solutions out there, something along the lines of a E2C Hawkeye. Isn't the US developing something based on an Embraer CRJ? Fleet of 6 should do it.
6) Agreed on the Upholder subs. I believe we paid for a lot of them via free rent at the Suffield bases and Cold Lake range. Cut'em off until they get fixed. I was a big proponent of this deal until just how hard it was to get these subs operation was made apparent. Still those old Oberons had to go....
7) Better pay and quality of life for our soldiers. Stop cheaping out on kit and training in the name of saving a buck.
8) Although I think the CF-18's we have are outdated, new fighter aircraft is a highly expensive proposition. Given the enormity of the other needs in the Armed Forces, I think it's best to sit on a replacement until these other issues are addressed. Just a matter of priority. Canada is involved in the JSF project from a development point of view so perhaps that's in the cards for us later on....
9) Wholeheartedly agree in the need to trim the Brass at the top. Too many shepards....
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