I have found the training the Canadians get to be quite good. In fact the average Canadian infantryman is as good as a US Army Ranger.

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Training for the U.S. foot soldier (regardless of Branch) is much more specialized than in Canada. Because of its size, there is a higher degree of specific expertise. It can be said that they are better trained than the Canadian soldier, but only in their area of expertise. That does not mean that they're 'better' trained. The Canadian has to perform multiple functions and be a jack of all trades and sometimes a master of some.

These are different approaches. The multi-disciplinary approach is adopted by U.S. Special Forces and the Navy Seals (and to a lesser degree by U.S. Army Rangers). These units must act independently without a large support system (similar to any smaller unit like the Canadian Army). Perhaps it's more productive to compare the lists of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) to better understand my point.

Devil Dog, my uncle Van was a U.S. Marine Colonel (and Marine Legend) who won his second Navy Cross in Vietnam. I have a good idea of what it takes to be a Marine and I respect each and every one of them. I've also been privileged to attend the U.S. Army Ranger School through NATO and am a 'tabbed Ranger.' Don't be so quick to put down the abilities of the Canadian soldier. You do him and yourself a disservice.

That was not ment to be a put down, just a friendly little poke. The same as I would jab at a Army dog,or a squid.
Being trained with different skills is good, but that does not make them the best, or better, and definitely does not put them in the same class as a specialized unit. As for the Canadian soldier, I feel they have it bad here. The government does not take care of them, they have old equipment, and are treated like crap . Then once discharged kicked to the curb! no V.A ,and no real benefits. In the end it boils down to the person in the uniform and how dedicated to the mission he is. Well trained men will fail,when the average grunt will get the job done.

...Being trained with different skills is good, but that does not make them the best, or better, and definitely does not put them in the same class as a specialized unit. As for the Canadian soldier, I feel they have it bad here. The government does not take care of them, they have old equipment, and are treated like crap . Then once discharged kicked to the curb! no V.A ,and no real benefits. In the end it boils down to the person in the uniform and how dedicated to the mission he is. Well trained men will fail,when the average grunt will get the job done.

I was not the one who compared a Canadian Infantryman to a U.S. Army Ranger. In my mind they are different beasts. In the same way, a Ranger serving in the 75th isn't usually a "tabbed Ranger." A tabbed Ranger is a qualification, being a member of the 75th Ranger Battalion is a special operations posting.

Your comment "Maybe those jp4 guys or wd40 can't remember the cute name they have nice ski-doo's tho Eh!" may have been taken negatively by some. As to the treatment of the Canadian soldier, it is a Soldier's right to complain (which every soldier seems to do). 🙂

Canadian soldiers (in comparison to the U.S.) are paid exceptionally well (at approximately TWICE the amount). They also enjoy reasonable housing costs, complete medical, dental and drug coverage. Retirement benefits are also good.

I agree that the Canadian Government could do much more for injured soldiers and those with PTSD, but the example the U.S. has shown with returning soldiers since the Vietnam era could stand improvement as well.

Canadian soldiers who serve 10 years have a $20,000 retraining benefit. They certainly are not cast aside... What does the U.S. do in this regard?

After a 4 year enlistment you will receive the G.I. bill,it pays your college degree, or any other training. It can also be transferred to a spouse or child.. You also receive life time medical. 20 years full retirement plus benefits mentioned,also dental,and 80% of pay of last rank held. Base housing is provided while in. Now where the U.S. is ahead most is long term disability for injuries. It is based on a percentage and all payments are life time. A armed forces vet is 100% around $4500 a month tax free, untouchable from a ex,or child support ect. With VA hospitals for vetrans. Living in Canada ,what I read in the news, and how I hear people talk I truly feel there is a huge lack of respect, and appreciation for it's service members, and vets. And as far as my comments about any service be it Canadian, or American there will always be trash talked. I have never been around 2 people from 2 different services that have not shit talked, so any one who gets feelings hurt have probably never served and never will get it. These are the same who have no idea what they are talking about when, comparing one branch to another ,or 1 specialized group to another.

...Living in Canada ,what I read in the news, and how I hear people talk I truly feel there is a huge lack of respect, and appreciation for it's service members, and vets.

No matter where you go, people will have different opinions, beliefs and values. In Canada, I wouldn't say that there's a huge lack of respect for the military. Rather a lack of appreciation or understanding. I think this is partly based upon the differences between the two countries.

Canada hasn't had mandatory military service since 1945. In the U.S. this was extended to Vietnam (much more recently). Extended military action since then has also been a factor.

The military doesn't touch the personal lives of the average Canadian as it tends to do in the U.S. That said, My Father was a Combat Veteran (WW2), I am a Veteran and my son is a Combat Veteran (Afghanistan). I have two other sons currently serving. So for me and mine, it's incorrect to say that the sacrifices made by service members aren't appreciated.

And as far as my comments about any service be it Canadian, or American there will always be trash talked. I have never been around 2 people from 2 different services that have not shit talked, so any one who gets feelings hurt have probably never served and never will get it. These are the same who have no idea what they are talking about when, comparing one branch to another ,or 1 specialized group to another.

I'm well aware of the rivalry between the Branches. This Website isn't representative of military members (of course they all won't get it). What they may glean from your comments is that they're out of context and disrespectful.

I assume from your site name that you're a Marine? If so, where did you serve and what was your MOS?

Let's keep this thread on topic please.

Agree with you Wayne. Canadians are simply not exposed to past and serving members like the US. We also do not understand the strain that some have experienced. Sadly, VERY sadly I might as, I have seen people be very uncomfortable and not understand why a soldier may need to break away from all the high pitched chatter and chaos at a party and need some place to just get away from it all.

I feel bad for those who don’t understand their stress, because as odd as it may sound, they are missing out on feeling or understanding what pain these folks have gone through to help keep people safe.

One has to keep politics and personal opinions on war out of it. Treat the man or women as a fellow human who has or continues to do an ugly job so people can walk around freely. Again, some wars are very dumb and not done to help people and are only a moneymaker, but the poor bugger in the field, still deserves our support.

From a prepping perspective and that is what this site is all about. I would say, recognize who these folks are in your community and try and approach them and strike up a conversation and see if you can bring them into your circle of contacts. Some will have good experience in electronics, vehicles, outdoor experience and of course firearms.. most importantly, they can focus and maintain levels of discipline we will all benefit from in a disaster.

No need for hero worship and all the flag stuff that can blind a person to the truths Just respect the person and utilize their skill sets. I know many and happy to have them in my circle.

This Website isn't representative of military members (of course they all won't get it). What they may glean from your comments is that they're out of context and disrespectful.

Not at all Wayne, What I glean is he is absolutly typical of un-convicted American war criminals.

This Website isn't representative of military members (of course they all won't get it). What they may glean from your comments is that they're out of context and disrespectful.

Not at all Wayne, What I glean is he is absolutely typical of un-convicted American war criminals.

and a perfect example of how we are compromising our security, and collective intelligence by allowing them in!

Im sure no psychologist, but Devil dog isn't your post really just about you, wanting praise? You wanting adulation? I have kinda nailed that, havnt I ??
If you even had the cognitive functions of a meal worm you would understand that real support for military members in my country begins with not wanting them involved in, with or aiding American attempts at world domination and financing their arms manufacturers. If you cant understand the following get someone with crayons to draw it out for you....A example of real support for our armed forces was not sending them to your stupid miss-adventures in Iraq. True is not like a parade, or being endlessly backslaped, but Its substantive, effective and keeps them alive. Here is a example of support devil dog, I would like my countries military members alive and whole, though I have no problem with yours dead and in pieces, Sure glad you dont mind little trash talk 😀

That's not my read Peppercorn. I agree with DevilDog that the Canadian Government could do more for Servicemen, Especially those returning from war. PTSD is a real problem that hasn't been properly addressed. The military doesn't even seem to be a thought for the average Canadian.

From a Preppers perspective, who we allow into the country is huge. A Brother from the U.S. isn't of huge concern for me. Others who have no interest in fitting into our society from Syria and other countries could be a problem from a security perspective. The currant Government policy is without a viable plan. Moreover, sustainability hasn't been addressed. This concerns me greatly.

Leaving politics completely out of this because while potentially relevant to national readiness, response etc. Issues such as who is in the country, IS very much an issue for anyone wishing to maintain security at their house and prosper. This for good as well as bad reasons.

People from war torn nations have lived through things that any normal citizen in this country wouldn’t have a foggiest notion of. Even people who prep, do so without being shot at, bombed, starved or do so without access to Costco, home hardware etc. etc. When it comes to survival in urban environments, there are people in the military or police who couldn’t hold a candle to some of these folks. Our specialist type folks know of what I speak but average Canadian citizen, not a clue. Our nation will face serious threats AND at the same time, be able to count on some to take care of themselves. Some for good and honest purposes and other ones for naught such high reasons)

Having worked with folks who have lived the true lifestyle of being a civilian and hiding in a culvert, actually hand making electrical motors, transformers, hot wiring up a house from the single source of electricity in a town ( generator parts made from bits and pieces, often stolen from Military or gov sources)... and of course being very, very familiar with the operation of fully automatic weapons!. They have proven to be fantastic to work with at 02:00.

Now. Two sides to these folks. 1. For above mentioned experience in war torn times, they can be a great asset in a group. They know how to make things from scratch, farm, garden and certainly are aware of firearms. Hell, they can make most parts themselves! They can be a great group to know and have work with you and yours.

2. They, for the very same reason as above, can be a very serious threat. They hang together far more than the average Canadian and if they use their experience with firearms, IED’s against you. You are going to be in a world of pain. Average police officer won’t stand a snowballs chance in hell combating a large community of these folks. No offence to police officer or soldier, but these people can and would pop out of a manhole cover and or dark doorway and pop a guy. Anyone who has spent time overseas, knows exactly what I mean. French in Algeria used to get their neck slit while in the local friendly barber chair and that’s would be the end of Pierre. His firearm and uniform ere then quickly be put to use for non-friendly purposes.

Strictly profiling here and I know a very touchy subject. So let’s tread slowly and step back from all the far left or right viewpoints and look at it like we should from a preppers perspective.

Many of the less than honest or good ones can be a serious threat to a prepper. Stop and think of what we know of in Afghanistan... you had or have the world’s two largest military's being severely challenged by low tech tribal types. How can that be you say? Well for one, we have "rules" and with the exception of certain units who are let free to accomplish the task at hand, they are easy prey for the bad guys. When we went into Iraq after 911, a good friend told me and I knew from experience that he was right, that they would kill our soldiers with their sandals. I know its exaggerated statement but if not sandals then IED's..... These folks are very inventive and the average Canuck wouldn't stand a chance up against a group of them. They are street wise and from decades to thousands of years of knowing how to bribe or coerce local officials to get what they want, jerry rig things so they work etc, they are a formidable group.

So, if some are around, get to know them and I am sure you will find many who you would grow to like. Others certainly will be a big concern. Think of them as average native Canadian bad dude but on steroids. AGAIN, not ALL. Just the bad ones. Every nation and culture has bad guys and girls. Just understand who they are ( white, black, pink, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, British, Italian, Irish, chezk, etc etc etc. it doesn’t matter. What matters is you understand what you are up against and try and plan for accordingly.

So if you know some folks from Lebanon... and you get along with them, I would nurture the relationship, I know I have and this goes for Christian as well as Muslim. They know to come to my house and we will make use of each other’s strengths. But remember, they are usually very strong willed people and most of us don’t know how to read them. So it will usually take some getting used too. If however, things have fallen apart and you notice a group coming at you, you best be very, very prepared to have a good fight on your hands because they are in my opinion, far smarter, hardier and aggressive then average white gang.

It's important not to overestimate a person's skill-set because they happen to be running from an oppressive regime. I think that most of the people allowed into Canada don't have a background as freedom fighters. That in-itself may preclude entry. That said, there are good intelligent people in every nation. These can certainly contribute to one's chances of survival, but bring the potential of conflict resulting from different personal values, miscommunication/language or cultural norms.

It's important not to overestimate a person's skill-set because they happen to be running from an oppressive regime. I think that most of the people allowed into Canada don't have a background as freedom fighters. That in-itself may preclude entry. That said, there are good intelligent people in every nation. These can certainly contribute to one's chances of survival, but bring the potential of conflict resulting from different personal values, miscommunication/language or cultural norms.

I believe you your right that many do not have freedom fighter skill sets. I deliberately avoided discussing other political or personal based thoughts and will try hard to keep it that way. I do not wish to jaundice anything I say that can help anyone’s preps. I was taught to take my sources warts and all and try and pass of the neutrality of it.

The ones I have met and worked with have great electrical skill sets, are very, very hardworking, frugal and very close knit. Happy to have them on my team. Then there are others! It’s the others that would if you noticed them walking or driving around that need extra watching.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2017/04/12/refugees-migrants-and-the-politics-of-fear/

For those visiting or living in the Halifax area, a visit to Pier 21 would be well worth your time.

https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2017/04/12/refugees-migrants-and-the-politics-of-fear/

For those visiting or living in the Halifax area, a visit to Pier 21 would be well worth your time.

I will say this and it’s not political but fact.
Below They mention something about only three arrests of terrorist linked immigrants since 911. BS!

“...On refugees, migrants, and terrorism, the Migration Policy Institute, noted, “The United States has resettled 784,000 refugees since September 11, 2001. In those 14 years, exactly three resettled refugees have been arrested for planning terrorist activities… two were not planning an attack in the U.S. and the plans of the third were barely credible.”

That’s horsepucks and is also a nice legal play on wording. Can’t even be bothered going into arguments. That type of reporting is dangerous to nations safety. That mindset and attitude is dangerous and only makes prepping even more important.

This thread, despite my asking politely, has gone way off topic.
It is meant to ask about security and defense issues.
From now on those who do not post within the scope of those topics will be barred from poting in this thread.