M77 155 howitzer

[sapper740]

Originally posted by RHClarke
Well, since I work with the "gurus" at DND, I'll add my 2 cents worth...

First principle - the government outlines its policy and gives direction to DND - not the other way around, although DND has some input into the process.

Second principle - today's battlefield is everchanging.

Third principle - funding is limited.

Fourth principle - the approval process starts with the military but ends with Treasury Board approval and a ministeral signture.

Good points all, with the third principle being paramount for Canada!
Of course, the second principle is extremely problematic with the huge paradigm shift from planning a REFORGER type operation to combat the massed armour of the Warsaw Pact to defending against a road side IED in operational areas or a domestic dirty bomb inside a container.
However, we all know of government interference in the procurement process. Too often the primary consideration is not operational effectiveness but economic benefit.