The first ever Sitting Minister of Defence went on a two day Battle course in CFB Petawawa. It always amazes me that in my lifetime. The Liberals under Trudeau Ceased Apprentice Training in the Army and combined all 3 forces into the Coca cola uniform. Then it took a Conservative PM The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney to give them back the three service uniforms and their pride. Then Paul Martin sent our troops to Afghanistan. Now a Conservative Minister The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, has put a closing date on Combat operations of 2011. This again shows Canadians that we do not need an election at this crucial time.
In Parliament and in Combat Gear. Both battles require a strong man. Well Done Minister.
In a unique television experiment, Defence Minister Peter MacKay was plunged into the daily grind of the troops he sends into battle and put through a gruelling two-day program of army combat training. His Platoon Sgt John Carr a veteran of the Balkans and afghanistan was his mentor as he went through a course on miltary training and teamwork. Nails and Smiley were platoon mates as well as a few other unidentified soldiers.
In this training our Minister experienced an IED during a night patrol and a suicide bomber after clearing a building. Naturally these were all blank round exercises but oh so important for our troops. Well done The Royal Canadian Regiment.
Please show support for our troops and for their families.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
