redesignating CF/CAF land force elements

[maple_leaf_eh]

I picked up on the new CAF name in a recent CANFORGEN by the CDS. At first I suspected some really old fashioned staff writing convention at work, but then a few days later I saw a news article that seemed to strengthen the suspicion.

We've got the RCN and RCAF. The navy officers got their executive curl back. There never was a Royal in the Canadian Army title (RCRs excluded). There are several branches that are the amalgam of the three services. Engineers for example are a purple cap badge, even though you'd be hard pressed to find any really dark blue Engineers. Any attempt to return to the name RCE would alienate two of the services.

Am I all excited? Hardly. Same problems behind the new name plate. Too many HQs, perilously thin manning in many other organizations, impoverished capital programs and another decade of limited activity looming.

(follow up thought) The Artillery will probably resent being called, all over the damn place. I prefer to call them, drop shorts. Some may think it is a compliment ....)