- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 210
I read this article online today:
I distinctly remember an account a Sergent told me during a field ex de-brief. He presented a situation that happened to him while in Croatia. A 8 or 9 year old boy appeared out of a shack, and pointed a RPG at his APC. He redundantly asked "What would you do...?" We paused... He said, "I know what I did, and I don't regret it ." The implication was clear.
In this the circumstance that MDN presented is a political mirage. To suggest that we are somehow more culturally sensitive than other armies (a clear knock against our allies) is symbolic of the myth the Liberal machine creates. I am sure that if in the above circumstance, the 12 year pointed his weapon, the account would not have been shared over roast beef and cheesecake.
My 2 cents.
PUBLICATION: The Edmonton Sun
DATE: 2005.08.24
EDITION: Final
SECTION: News
PAGE: 22
ILLUSTRATION: photo of BILL GRAHAM Turned corner
SOURCE: BY CP
DATELINE: MOOSE JAW
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFENCE MINISTER SINGS PRAISES OF CANUCK SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canada's defence minister illustrated how Canadians are well-suited to their mission in Afghanistan by telling a story yesterday about a soldier who spared a child's life.
Graham, who was visiting the Canadian Forces air base in Moose Jaw, said the Canadian soldier in Kabul risked his life to take a machine-gun from a 12-year-old boy.
He said the soldier told him: "I figured it was better to risk my life than to shoot a 12-year-old boy."
Graham said because of their values, training and experience, Canadians are culturally sensitive to others. He said some armed forces don't behave that way.
"They shoot first and ask questions later," Graham said.
Graham, who was speaking at a luncheon, also noted that one of the greatest attributes that the Forces have is an international reputation, which is derived from an ability to work with other people towards a common cause.
Canada has 250 soldiers in Kandahar that are part of a reconstruction team that will also involve members of the RCMP, Foreign Affairs and the Canadian International Development Agency.
They're trying to bring stability to the area prior to national elections in September.
Graham also reiterated a pledge to speed up the time frame for acquiring new equipment for the armed forces.
He said after a long time when government put other priorities first, $13.5 billion over five years was made available this spring in extra defence funding.
"One of the problems of procurement in the military is it takes time. The average military acquisition of any significance in this country takes 12 years. My job as defence minister is to cut that time back," Graham said.
Canada can't wait 12 years to get new helicopters or replace the aging <Hercules> transport fleet, he said. "I strongly believe we have turned the corner in terms of ensuring our military is better supplied," he said
I distinctly remember an account a Sergent told me during a field ex de-brief. He presented a situation that happened to him while in Croatia. A 8 or 9 year old boy appeared out of a shack, and pointed a RPG at his APC. He redundantly asked "What would you do...?" We paused... He said, "I know what I did, and I don't regret it ." The implication was clear.
In this the circumstance that MDN presented is a political mirage. To suggest that we are somehow more culturally sensitive than other armies (a clear knock against our allies) is symbolic of the myth the Liberal machine creates. I am sure that if in the above circumstance, the 12 year pointed his weapon, the account would not have been shared over roast beef and cheesecake.
My 2 cents.