I know the discussion is old and it would appear that such a course most likely won't be developed. Although I believe it would be a great course where soldiers can challenge themselves and learn new skills as well as build upon skills/knowledge they already have. Plus not all members want to be in CANSOF, but still want to strive to be the best at what they do.
CanadianGuy said:
There actually was a "Commando course" run not too long ago in August of 1988 .... 40ish candidates only 5 succeeded and can actually say they are graduates of the "Commando Course".
IMO a attrition rate like this would be counter productive. The course shouldn't be easy, but it shouldn't have the majority of the course RTU'd for injuries and failing POs.
Keeping the course realistic/relevant for the Army as it isn't training members for SOF, but giving them skills that will be beneficial for the regular Army.
From the original article, there is a few things that can probably be removed IMO such as flamethrowers and the portions below
c. Combat Survival including resistance to interrogation
AFAIK this is what CAC Lvl C is for
f. Combat Medicine including IVs, CPR, practical gunshot training and drug administration (2.5%1 16 hours).
This is also covered during First Aid/Combat First Aid and TCCC.
g. Foreign Weapons including training on all Russian company level small arms, RPGs and automatic grenade launchers, G3, MG-31, M-60, SA-80, Steyr AUG, MPS, FNC1‘ and FAMAS Fl. (10%1 62 hours).
Not sure how easy it would be to get some of these weapons, as well as ammo for them. As well, the Russian/Soviet Bloc weapons are covered during unit training/work up training.
j. Tank Hunting with M72, RPG-7, V, mines and expedient weapons (4.50 %/ 28 hours).
IMO it might be better to stick with weapons already in use by the CF for this.
As well, this isn't a PLQ course but students should be put in leadership portions during the field portion; perhaps even having a MCpl or Sgt acting as the Platoon Commander, etc. I think a course like this would have a mixture of CQB/FIBUA training(with some CQC) as well as patrolling in urban and rural areas, raids, ambushes, selecting/marking HLZs, basic mountaineering/rappelling(focused on conducting combat operations in a mountain enviroment), employing helicopters and zodiacs for insert/extract(start and end of FTX), leadership skills, PT(runs, long ruck marches, circuit training/HIT, swimming),etc. Reinforcing and adding to Infantry/combat skill sets. Making sure of course that this "Commando" course is unique and isn't too similar to already existing courses such as Basic Recce, Basic Mountain Ops, etc.
Students would be physically fit, confident in the use and employment of weapons used in a Infantry platoon, land nav(map/compass and GPS), how to talk on a radio/Voice Procedure, etc. Open to NCMs and Officers of the Combat Arms some Combat Support/CSS pers(such as Sigs an Medics), etc. Open to both Regular Force and Reservists.
I am far from a SME on the subject, these are just my thoughts from reading the article and comments.