Save Our Army Regiments!

Rob MacDonald · #1 07-04-10, 00:08

Hello everyone;

rather than gas-on endlessly about the proposed amalgamations that are slated to start after the War "ends" in 2012, please check out this Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php...8789964&ref=nf

cheers

Rob

maple_leaf_eh · #2 07-04-10, 03:38

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 · #3 07-04-10, 05:24

Quote:

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 · #4 07-04-10, 20:34

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 · #5 07-04-10, 21:07

Quote:

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 · #6 07-04-10, 21:35

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) · #7 07-04-10, 22:28

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 · #8 07-04-10, 23:02

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.

Mike Timoshyk · #9 08-04-10, 02:55

If there was a dictionary specially designed and maintained for our ever changing military jargon and one looked up Militia, ARAF or NRD it would direct you to the term "Force Generator".

I believe this is now the primary role of the Primary Reserve. It may be a new term but it is an old idea. Always the poor cousin, the PRes will be called upon to fill up the ranks of the Regular Force. This even more so considering the latest operational tempo of the last 12 or so years. One only needs to revue recent changes and "streamlining" to transfer from PRes to Reg Force to see the "writing on the wall". Look at the last few months for the Militia units...forced to reduce parading and eliminating so many class B posns.

Old prides die hard... I used to wear two cap badges...one inside my beret and one outside.

Mike in Windsor

malcolm erik bogaert · #10 08-04-10, 12:16

the Goverment here has stated there is no cash for Cadet Units or the University OTC always a good recruiter and my original point was....The Generals/Admirals/Air Marshal's at the top are penpushers not fighting men...they have all resigned in disgust..best regards malcolm

maple_leaf_eh · #11 10-04-10, 03:35

The first shoe (er, boot) to drop was announced a few days ago. The two service battalions in New Brunswick and Newfoundland have been merged. (I always wondered how functional the reserve battalions really were, when the regular force ones have been befuddled as far back as 1970.) The news release had all the right words that have been mentioned above.

There were grumbles about amalgamating the bilingual armoured unit in my hometown with the franco infantry unit. Some sharpie read that A and C Companies of a long gone predecessor 1940 mobilization regiment were rebadged to one corps while the B and D Companies became another corps. In true Canadian compromise fashion, the equivalent of US Civil War division of loyalties, one went overseas, landed on D-Day, produced many fine battlefield results and came home as heroes. The other .... did nothing even close. In fact, its battle honours are the same as the other regiment's without having left Canada. Compromise is a funny thing.