Not one but 3 American Battalions are now under command of a canadian general. This certainly shows the confidence that NATO has in the professionalism of Canadians soldiers.
Fresh U.S. troops allow Canadian commander in Afghanistan to think 'big' Colin Perkel, THE CANADIAN PRESS
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan - Brig.-Gen. Daniel Menard is thinking big.
As the top soldier in Kandahar province, the Canadian commander exudes an optimism that goes well beyond the dewy-eyed enthusiasm of a man new to the job.
The reason for his confidence is the influx of American soldiers that has almost doubled the number of troops under his direct control.
Finally, Menard told The Canadian Press, he has the boots on the ground and resources his predecessors could only wish for.
I'm in a position to tackle more than one district at a time, Menard said in his first sit-down interview since taking charge of Task Force Kandahar less than a month ago.
Not only one village, or go small, I'm actually going big.
With about 2,000 fresh American soldiers now reporting to him - part of U.S. President Obama's Afghan surge - Menard's troop strength has gone from 2,800 soldiers to about the 5,000 mark.
Three American battalions are now attached to the Canadian brigade.
Gone is the brush-fire approach, where Canadian soldiers would move to clear an area of insurgents, then leave to deal with another crisis, only to see the Taliban move right back in.
Fortified with fighting Americans - they are the only U.S. troops reporting to a foreign commander - Menard has bold plans to get his troops to the people of Kandahar and other more urban areas - and leave them there.
I'm going to go with the major centres in the area of operation, starting with Kandahar city - that is my main focus - followed by the town of Senjaray, Menard said.
I wish General Menard great success with his increased troops.
59 Years ago Dec 14, 1950 The 2cd Battallion PPCLI arrived in Yokahama. Our Nations Flag during the Korean Conflict.
When the Second Battalion of the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry set sail for Asia on Nov. 25, the war in Korea seemed about to end. However, by the time the Princess Patricias arrive in Japan on Dec. 14, the tide of the war has turned dramatically with China's intervention. View this link:http://archives.cbc.ca/on_this_day/12/13/
The first arrivals of many heroic Canadians during this conflict. Including a friend of mine who joined the advance party last year. Pte Ken Barwise MM.
Try this link for a very interesting read.
http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104article=66656source=rss
Remember Everyone Deployed
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
