M109 SP gun

[maple_leaf_eh]

I was in a lineup somewhere sometime and noticed the man in front of me was wearing something identifying him to the RCEME tribe. I said hello and inquired about his service. He was a retired CWO maintainer whose last job included demilitarizing the M109 fleet.

He explained that one of the most frustrating things DND had to deal with, was many of the parts were classed as controlled goods. A rubber skirt or sheet metal panel for instance, was nothing special except the bolt or an angle fitting had a NATO stock number traced back to the US. Arms Control agreements prevented the Canadians from simply and efficiently scrapping that part without permissions, destruction declarations and witnesses. Quite the business!

The line moved or he got his drink and we finished the conversation.

[RHClarke]

From the slide deck showing the "demil" of one of our once proud (and still useable) M109 fleet. Let me know if you want to see more of this carnage. Sigh!

[maple_leaf_eh]

Your photo name is sadly appropriate. Yes, post more please.

[RHClarke]

As requested. Gunners! Explicit material follows. Tears will flow.

[RHClarke]

You know what I mean...

[Bob Phillips]

I am almost sorry I asked, but ...was this the fate of the majority of the vehicles not saved for monuments ? Was this on base disposal or nearby scrappers?
( and thanks very much for the images, what a waste).

[strat1]

We have 2 M109A4's as monuments here in Edmonton, one on bace, one at Kingsway Legion.

A