Are We Dying?

[George Wallace]

We have Gunners and Guns deployed in Afghanistan.......They do deploy operationally overseas.  They also man mortars in Bosnia, Kosovo, etc.

Armour Crewmen patrol in their vehicles.....which happen to be LAV and Coyote, or in the past Bison and Cougar.  Tanks have also been deployed to Bosnia and Kosovo. 

GW

 

[Meridian]

Ok.. so in Ghani they are actually providing a very valuable service.. Ie this isnt just a small token thing?

(I don't know, this is why Im asking).


The impression ive gotten is that arty just sits around and doesnt get to do much, because noone ever orders them to go and fire.

 

[muskrat89]

We have Gunners and Guns deployed in Afghanistan

That's what I was referring to. I thought they had fired missions..  I'm sure Gunner, RCA or someone can clarify

 

[muskrat89]

In much the same way that fire extinguishers, insurance policies, spare tires, and life preservers "sit around".....

 

[Meridian]

lol. I'll ignore the sarcasm and accept your point...

 

[George Wallace]

The impression ive gotten is that arty just sits around and doesnt get to do much, because noone ever orders them to go and fire.

You have just described the whole Combat Arms in the Field.......99% boredom and 1% pure, unadulterated adrenaline rush.

GW

 

[Meridian]

Noted, GW

 

[GIJANE]

That's what I was referring to. I thought they had fired missions..   I'm sure Gunner, RCA or someone can clarify

I was in Bosnia in 2000/2001 and the only fire missions we did were on "ex's" the rest of the time was patrolling and gate guard duties.

Jane

 

[MrGnr27]

Korea...as part of the Commonwealth Divisional Artillery.

Since then,training has concentrated on a set-piece battle in central Europe. Without getting into history lessons, the fall of The Wall, isolated theatre wars in the 90's ( Gulf War Parts 1 nd 2, etc. ), and 9/11 changed all that.

However, until quite recently, the Army was still training for that European war!!

Our " All-seeing Wheels " have finally come to grips with reality and changed the way we practice our chosen craft. No more heavy Cold War equipment ( M109's, Leopards, etc. ). Light, mobile equipment, for a light and lethal mobile force, as part of a coalition.

Once the Canadian Army Manouver Training Center stands up, and the Task Forces start training, the "ripple effect" will change our "Great Little Army" once and for all. ( Post-Cold War Relics....Beware !! )


Ubique

 

[Island Ryhno]

Thanks for the info MrGnr27, Korea eh, that's a long time ago. Slow deciding on change in doctrine but fast acting on it. I believe I heard somewhere that this is a 5 year plan to reinvent the forces, correct me please if I'm wrong. What's that old navy saying...200 years of traditon and not a day of progression. Lovely stuff this political bit.  : So with that all being said; is there a big influx into the arty trade now and is it a good starting point for a military career as an NCM?

 

[MrGnr27]

It will be more like eight years, if you include the 5000 soldier influx, recently announced by the Liberal government.

By the time CFRG ( the recruit and training people ) get the funding envelope and plan, it will take that long to attract the recruits, screen them, train them, and post them to units. Currently, we process about 5000 applicants per year. These files bounce back and forth for one reason or another. In most cases, it is a medical thing or a failure of the Enhanced Reliability Check. ( By the way, today...the latter includes a credit check !! ).

Also, for every ten recruits that graduate from Basic Training, three are left after three years. Therefore, the 5000 Regular and 3000 Reserve pers increase doesn't figure prominently in any 5-year plan.

Over the next four years, the Army will focus on training a 1000-man Task Force for potential deployments. ( See previous thread entries on this ). Right now, there are four TFs geared to that time frame. Also, a Reserve personnel surge is figured in there. To achieve this end-state, the Army will concentrate on one Brigade Training Event ( primarily Regular field force ), and one Reserve exercise per year.

One cannot help but wonder how the Army's planning staff came up with this workable training solution in another decade of continued austerity !!! ( Readers can call up the plan on the DIN at the CLS site. Happy reading ! )

All the Cbt Arms are currently recruiting. Take your pick. They are all a good place to start a great career !

Ubique

 

[Bomber]

Regarding the token force of artillery, it is one of the best assets a commander has that is not affected by weather, conditions, or if dug in, most enemy activity.  If a group is in trouble, and they have comms with the guns, I don't doubt that before we could get anything else there, the guns could start hitting the bad guys.  The Brits never deploy anywhere without their guns, They only got one battery ashore in the Falklands with two FOO parties, and those guys had to "wing" it with tourist maps for the first week, but that one battery fired WW2 style fire missions.  Use it as a moral booster, Any one that has been in a bunker on a danger close demo knows the fear that Arty will put into someone caught in the open, so if soldiers know that that is on their side, their moral can be a little bit higher, especially if they know it is manned by Canadian gunners.

 

[generic]

From other gunners I know, the guns have deployed and fired on recent trips overseas.  Someone can confirm or deny this but I believe 105's were fired in Afghanistan as a "show of force". And in some instances were used to pepper areas frequented by unfriendlies setting ambushes and firing rockets.

The stories that reach my ears say the same thing, the gunners deploy as a "show of force" and do just enough to prove we are serious.  The rest of the time they do whatever else is required of them in the "new" "Contemporary Operating Environment"

Two cents worth.

 

[Island Ryhno]

Nice to see that we are not gathering rust then if this is the case, thanks for the info.

 

[ArmyRick]

I personally think there is still a valid role for artillery in this modern day...
It would be nice to see canada get in on the 155mm ultra light gun...