Save Our Army Regiments!

[maple_leaf_eh]

I'm going to poke the monster in the eye, and ask why not amalgamate regiments that are anachronisms leftover from 1939? I'm an ex' reservist, but I'm asking for the rational argument why not merge units that aren't located where recruits live.

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

I'm going to poke the monster in the eye, and ask why not amalgamate regiments that are anachronisms leftover from 1939? I'm an ex' reservist, but I'm asking for the rational argument why not merge units that aren't located where recruits live.

As a former paper pusher (and a reservist in my past life), here's my .02 cents worth (at par with the USD). If the community does not support these "regiments" which in truth are really companys (minus), why should the army? If these regiments had full establishments, they wouldn't be on the chopping block.

Keeping three armouries open to support what really is just one regiment in strength is not cost effective.

Kind of makes them a very visible target for the beancounters...

So, if you want to save your regiments, get your honouraries out to lobby the pols, and sign junior up when s/he turns 16.

Best of luck with your campaign.

[malcolm erik bogaert]

we had all that nonsence here a couple of years back...they have destroyed the family spirt of the old Scottish Regiments and you have to have been in them to know that they are like a big family...They in there wisdom have almagamated the best recruited Regiment in the British Army...The Kings Own Scottish Borderers (my parent regiment) with the least recruited regiment the Royal Scots ...and now we have the Scottish Regiment (Royal Scots Borderers)...fine old English Regiments like the Green Howards are now known as The Rifles...bloody nonsence...but as most armies are run by pen pushing accountants these days what can you expect...all they know is figures and to hell with hundreds of years of Tradition....rant over...regards malcolm

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by malcolm erik bogaert

...but as most armies are run by pen pushing accountants these days what can you expect...all they know is figures and to hell with hundreds of years of Tradition....rant over...regards malcolm

I know this is an emotional issue for those who served - I've gone through it and didn't like it at all. However (or but), the pen pushers/accountants do as they are instructed by their chain of command who do what is ordered by their political masters.

I think you should aim a little higher rather than targeting those who do what they are ordered to do.

[Rob MacDonald]

As I'm not a cubicle-wallah who spends his day in front of a glowing screen I won't repeat threads and arguments that are already posted on the forum....but I did laugh at the word 'anachronism' in a forum dedicated to the preservation of obsolecent, inefficient vehicles (and before my email turns into a river of flame I assure you that I'm strongly dedicated to said preservation!)

[servicepub (RIP)]

I am a strong advocate of the Militia system having served in it myself. However, with population shifts, changing economies and variable interest in serving one's nation through voluntary military service we have to be prepared to consolidate units. This isn't blasphemy nor is it new. The Canadian Militia has undergone a number of rationalizations over the years and many of the regiments that may be under consideration were, themselves, the products of earier mergers.
Rather than 'nay-say' the concept of rationalization I will wait to see exactly what DND proposes. If I see that they are threatening to relegate to the Supplementary List (or whatever they call it) a proud unit which is at 70% or better of their enrolment target then I will speak out. If DND chooses to merge two or more 'regiments' into something more effective (same number of troops but fewer officers and support staff) then I can only commend them for managing my tax dollars better.

[rob love]

When was the last time any reserve unit deployed onto an operation as a self standing unit? They have become manpower pools to augment the regular force. So if their command structure is somewhat remote to some of the units, it will not be the end of the world. It is not desirable to have your CO in the next city or province, but at the end of the day, anyone heading for ops will still get the usual 6 months to year of pre tng and get placed in a role suitable for their skill set.
Of course, tradition and history are important (vital) to the military, always has been. As to unit history, that's what their museums and associations are going to have to be responsible for. When we withdraw from this war, there is going to be a lot of high tech combat equipment that is going to have to be housed and maintained, and those 90 year old armouries with their steam heat looking after 45 guys on a parade night twice a month are doomed.