MGen Lewis McKenzie

[Jon Skagfeld]

I've just had the pleasure of attending a discussion session with the marginally noted personality at Centurion Mess in Meaford Ontario.

Presented by the Billy Bishop Heritage Museum staff, Lewis discussed his views on the past (his 9 UN deployments), the present ( our poor state of readiness), and the future, where he alluded favourably to our new CDS, Rick Hillier, with reference to sustainability with a rapid reaction force (and top down command structure).

It was stated that, should any arm chair generals not find favour with this new military infrastructure, they would be fired! Right on!

This is the sort of "attitude" that we Canadian mil types need and should demand.

[Robert Dabkowski]

What we REALLY need is "Lew for Prime Minister" ! I think that he'd bring some integrity back to the position. Robert in Toronto

[Darrell Zinck]

Lew is a nice guy but "Ricky for PM" would get you more votes. At least from the black hatters!!

regards
D

[Jon Skagfeld]

Hey, Darryl the Zipperhead:

One of the issues that McKenzie spoke of was the fact that Leos were being (or already have been) pulled from service.

(He also commented most unfavourably about mortars going to Golf call signs.)

His point was, IIRC, that urban warfare (not necessarily FIBUA) would demand more than a WAPC in such a situation.

The familiar "clank, clank...I'm a tank" syndrome is just as necessary now as it was then.

Comments, Darryl?

[Craig Tanner]

The Leopards are not yet completely removed from service. I have heard, now not officially, and of course from some sources in low places, that the MGS is not going to be fielded right away if ever due to circumstances, and the Leopard may go through some sort of upgrade, mainly with the weapon system. Of course this is just rumour, but good food for thought.

I have met Gen McKenzie on a couple of occasions and he certainly has my respect and my vote.

Craig Tanner

Oromocto N.B.

[Darrell Zinck]

Hi

AFAIK there is a Troop's worth of Leo C2'S (plus a couple of spares) at the Armd School and the rest are pooled in Wainwright. No idea what that "S" regiment has in Edmonton on hand but we (the RCD) and the RBC in Valcatraz are fully Armd Recce Regt's now with Coyotes as our main vehicle. 2 Sqns of kit for 3 Sqns of troops. That's F Ech Sqns's. We still have a HQ Sqn but they're losing some of their abilities/kit too.

No one here knows when or how the MGS will be integrated into the now gutted (poorly Armoured) Corps. It is not nor will ever be a replacement for a MBT. Successor perhaps but never a replacement.

You want to talk tanks then don't talk to Lew, he's a groundpounder. Rick Hillier speaks very well on the subject and you'll soon realize that Leo's are gone and should never return. Too far gone now. A new tank is the only option or else no tanks at all. Which do you think the Politicians will choose?

I can comment some more Jon, but Duty prevents me from doing so here on this public Forum.

I Like my job.

regards
D