Going to General Quarters!

Canada's Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier has ruffled a few feathers and sent a few hearts faint with his tough talk on our upcoming deployment to Afghanistan. But for the most part his candor has been welcomed as a long overdue expression of just what it is a military is supposed to do.

General Hillier who certainly doesn't sugar coat his words, has been the focus of attention for two days now after his briefing to the media on the Canadian Army's plans for Afghanistan. With 250 troops set to embark to Kandahar shortly, to set the prep work in place for a larger battalion of 1250 the General felt it was time to let Canadians know that heavy lifting may come with a heavy price.

One week after the London bombings, the General used possibly some of the strongest language ever heard from a Canadian military leader in preparing this nation for possible casualties. By proclaiming that "the Canadian Forces are not the Public Service of Canada", the General probably did more for esprit du corps in the military than all the recruiting commercials could ever hope to achieve. The General also confirmed, that the JTF commando group would be sent into Afghanistan "to hunt down detestable murderers and scumbags." Strong words that we just aren't used to hearing, but considering the world situation at hand these days, quite possibly they are the best thing we could have heard.

His comments on behalf of his troops have been long overdue, as our military languished in the bottom tier of government importance over the years. For far too long successive Generals and Admirals have quietly saluted and said yes sir, no sir to their political masters, leaving the troops, airmen and sailors not sure of what will come next. Now with a world seemingly going a little mad, it might be a good thing to have some folks around that are willing to stand up for them and us in dangerous times.

There have been a few that expressed shock at the General's outspoken comments and bellicosity, but for the most part one suspects that the majority of Canadians will be standing behind this General and his troops.

In fact the politicians in Ottawa were tripping over themselves to fully back the General as his words resonated across the country. Editorialists for the most part have praised the General, proclaiming that it's about time Canada stood up and said it was time to make a difference and the no nonsense General from Newfoundland, has hit the right note as we prepare to rejoin the battle in Afghanistan.

For far to long this country has taken our Armed Forces for granted, shortchanging them on equipment and support, far too often sending them off to dangerous missions with a shrug instead of a salute. With General Hillier on watch that is all about to change. And it's about time!

Aye, Ready Aye, never had truer meaning than it does today. Whatever may come our way, at least we know that the person in charge won't be turning the other way.