We have all heard that childrens nursery Rhyme. I can remember a day when the RCOC had the trade of Tailor in the army. BAdges were sewn, pants shortened or lengthed, tunics tucked all by military tailors. As with many trades this one disappeared in the mists of time.
What I am trying to put on paper is the fact, I was and am Proud to see Canada return to the designation Royal for both our Navy RCN and our airforce RCAF.
Last tear the SSI badge was added to a naval persons uniform, as well as the executive curl for our Naval Officers.
These two items of dress are certainly step in the right direction HOWEVER as with all things newly added to a military persons kit, there comes cost.
I have googled various suppliers of Kit to our forces from Sculleys of Kingston to a few other companies.
An officer having his Shoulder boards and Dress uniforms bedecked with the Executive Curl is charged in the range of 300 Dollar for two sets.
I am a firm believer and a tax payer that the first issue of any new piece of kit should be at the DND cost not the sailor, officer, or indeed anyone in the military. These identifying ranks show Canada around the world as a first class Naval presence. When the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney brought three distinctive uniforms back to the military. The costs were absorbed by the Dept. This was the first of many small steps in giving our troops back their esprit de Corps.
So perhaps if some one reads this (who has authority) a retroactive payment to all who had to pay out of their pocket will be introduced.
As for the SSI controversary surrounds this badge as to the amount of sailing time required for said badge. Their are Chief Petty Officers with 20 - 25 years service who are awarded the lowest cast of this badge. Some newer sailors in their forst few years obtain the same badge.
I spoke with an officer just yesterday at HMCS Naden, who told me of the concerns. To many cicilians these may seem petty problems but to a professional of the Royal Canadian Navy they are a source of morale and pride in ones uniform and ones country.
http://www.navy.forces.gc.ca/cms/3/3-a_eng.asp?id=803
So as another Red Friday slips into the mists of time, we still have our troops involved globally, despite the Libyan mission and Afhganistan trainers we can be happy with this news. Today Pres.Obama can cut another "notch" in his six shooter as they took out:
U.S.-born al-Qaeda cleric Awlaki killed in Yemen Most prominent al-Qaeda figure to be killed since Osama bin Laden's death.http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/09/30/anwar-al-awlaki-yemen.html
Please show support for our roops Their Loved ones and our Veterans wherever they may be.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
