Published in the Chronicle Herald, Thursday the 30th of June 2005
Dear Editor:
In the article “Military Makeover”, in the 24 June issue, it is reported
that General Rick Hillier, the Chief
of the Defence Staff will unveil his new organizational plans for the Canadian
military next week. The Royal United Services Institute of Nova Scotia (RUSI NS) has long
been concerned about the ability of the Department of National Defence to
establish, assemble and deploy suitable military forces in a quick-reaction
manner. All indications are that the Atlantic region will play a major role in
the new organization with navy, army and air force units being melded into one
Joint Task Force Atlantic Area (JTFAA) with command initially being given to
the navy but with an assured rotation in future years. It is said that JTFAA
will have the ability and the authority to deploy forces without detailed
deference to the central HQ in Ottawa. Such
plans, when implemented, will mean a more-capable military and also means that
we here in Atlantic Canada will be able to deal with our own concerns such as
surveillance of our air, sea and land areas in a more comprehensive mode. RUSI NS looks
forward to the detailed announcement and a speedy establishment of the new
force structure.
Alex Morrison,
Chairman, Security Affairs Committee
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