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Thursday, November 28, 2024
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Thursday, November 28, 2024 | Latest Paper

Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 25, 2024
The misguided attempt by a Nova Scotia school to ban military uniforms on Remembrance Day, or rants about wearing poppies won’t help people understand our proud military heritage, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 18, 2024
Before investing in modern weapon systems, the CAF needs to invest in its greatest asset: the men and women who serve, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Canadian Armed Forces Imagery Technician
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 11, 2024
Remembrance Day ceremony
Sentries stand post during the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Nov. 11, 2023. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 4, 2024
Interim Ombud for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Robyn Hynes, left, has picked up the advocacy mantle for language and cultural advisers with Minister Bill Blair’s office. Photograph courtesy of DND and The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 28, 2024
The military should be less worried about trying to protect its public reputation, and more concerned with the welfare of its people, writes Scott Taylor. Unsplash photograph by Kristina Flour
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 21, 2024
The military’s General Purpose Sleeping Bag System missed the mark when soldiers tried it out during a November 2023 exercise in Alberta, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Djalma Vuong-De Ramos
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 14, 2024
Gen. Jennie Carignan
Chief of Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan. No matter which way you count it, the CAF’s numbers do not add up to an effective fighting force, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | October 7, 2024
HMCS Victoria returns home through the Strait of Juan De Fuca from operations with the United States Navy on Feb. 26, 2015. DND photograph by LS Zachariah Stopa
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 30, 2024
Since the end of the Cold War, Canadian politicians and senior military brass have abandoned any pretence of planning for an actual mobilization of citizens. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 23, 2024
Canada now possesses an abundance of helicopter heavy-lift capability, which would be perfectly suited to waging a counterinsurgency against a poorly equipped foe, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Louis Brunet
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
The September 2023 standing ovation MPs gave Second World War veteran Yaroslav Hunka is still fresh in Canadians’ minds, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 16, 2024
The September 2023 standing ovation MPs gave Second World War veteran Yaroslav Hunka is still fresh in Canadians’ minds, writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of CBC News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
The breakdown of the Liberal-NDP deal means people will be buzzing about which of the party election platforms will be the least damaging to a future Canadian Armed Forces, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 9, 2024
The breakdown of the Liberal-NDP deal means people will be buzzing about which of the party election platforms will be the least damaging to a future Canadian Armed Forces, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Cass Moon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
On the modern battlefield, the M777 howitzer Canada has given to the Ukrainian war effort is the wrong weapon system, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 2, 2024
On the modern battlefield, the M777 howitzer Canada has given to the Ukrainian war effort is the wrong weapon system, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
The only reason our battle groups had the gear and munitions they needed in Afghanistan was because out of necessity, we begged and borrowed from our allies, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 26, 2024
The only reason our battle groups had the gear and munitions they needed in Afghanistan was because out of necessity, we begged and borrowed from our allies, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by MCpl Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Canadian soldiers return to their light armoured vehicles during Operation Medusa in 2006. We pursued the war in Afghanistan to the tune of 158 Canadian soldiers killed, 2,000 wounded or physically injured, and countless thousands more suffering the unseen mental wounds of PTSD, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Sgt. Lou Penney
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 21, 2024
Canadian soldiers return to their light armoured vehicles during Operation Medusa in 2006. We pursued the war in Afghanistan to the tune of 158 Canadian soldiers killed, 2,000 wounded or physically injured, and countless thousands more suffering the unseen mental wounds of PTSD, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Sgt. Lou Penney
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
National Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the government's $35.8-million purchase of 90 light tactical vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces on July 23. Pentagon tests would indicate that this is a useless purchase, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 12, 2024
National Defence Minister Bill Blair announced the government's $35.8-million purchase of 90 light tactical vehicles for the Canadian Armed Forces on July 23. Pentagon tests would indicate that this is a useless purchase, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 5, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members on the ground helping to respond to the wildfire that engulfed Jasper, Alta., last month. Screenshot courtesy of CTV News
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
HMCS Max Bernays sails in the Pacific Ocean on June 20. DND photograph by Corporal William Gosse
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 29, 2024
HMCS Max Bernays sails in the Pacific Ocean on June 20. DND photograph by Corporal William Gosse
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Bill Blair
There is little to no chance Defence Minister Bill Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will still be steering the government’s defence spending agenda eight years from now, so recent promises aren’t worth much, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 22, 2024
Bill Blair
There is little to no chance Defence Minister Bill Blair and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will still be steering the government’s defence spending agenda eight years from now, so recent promises aren’t worth much, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
U.S. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, posted a photo of his July 9 meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X, saying that 'it’s time for our northern ally to invest seriously in the hard power required to help preserve prosperity and security across NATO.' Photograph courtesy of X/@LeaderMcConnell
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 15, 2024
U.S. Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, left, posted a photo of his July 9 meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on X, saying that 'it’s time for our northern ally to invest seriously in the hard power required to help preserve prosperity and security across NATO.' Photograph courtesy of X/@LeaderMcConnell
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Besides restoring morale and addressing the crippling shortage of personnel, incoming Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan will need to deal with the political vacuum in which Canada currently finds itself. DND photograph by Private Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 8, 2024
Besides restoring morale and addressing the crippling shortage of personnel, incoming Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan will need to deal with the political vacuum in which Canada currently finds itself. DND photograph by Private Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre’s refusal to release his ‘openness and transparency’ speaking notes is both petty and petulant, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 1, 2024
Outgoing Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre’s refusal to release his ‘openness and transparency’ speaking notes is both petty and petulant, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Ottawa on June 19 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, but Scott Taylor asks if its history is worth celebrating. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 24, 2024
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Ottawa on June 19 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the military alliance, but Scott Taylor asks if its history is worth celebrating. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft recently added her voice to the chorus calling for Canada to hit the two per cent NATO target. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 17, 2024
Former U.S. ambassador to Canada Kelly Craft recently added her voice to the chorus calling for Canada to hit the two per cent NATO target. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
The fact that service members now need a regulation telling them they cannot have so much hair that they cannot don a hat speaks volumes for how low officials lowered the bar, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 10, 2024
The fact that service members now need a regulation telling them they cannot have so much hair that they cannot don a hat speaks volumes for how low officials lowered the bar, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Hugo Montpetit
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann’s frank assessment of the state of CAF leadership seems to have fallen on deaf ears, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Valerie LeClair
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 3, 2024
Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer Bob McCann’s frank assessment of the state of CAF leadership seems to have fallen on deaf ears, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Master Sailor Valerie LeClair
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
RCAF members evacuate residents of the Pikangikum First Nation community in July 2019. Willing veterans could backfill the disaster-relief assistance role currently filled by Operation Lentus, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Ken Beliwicz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 27, 2024
RCAF members evacuate residents of the Pikangikum First Nation community in July 2019. Willing veterans could backfill the disaster-relief assistance role currently filled by Operation Lentus, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl Ken Beliwicz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
The Kabul International Airport, pictured in 2009. We can only pray that this new incarnation of the Taliban remains a kinder, gentler version of itself and that airlifts to safety replace vengeful bloodletting, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Kelly
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 13, 2021
The Kabul International Airport, pictured in 2009. We can only pray that this new incarnation of the Taliban remains a kinder, gentler version of itself and that airlifts to safety replace vengeful bloodletting, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Flickr/Jim Kelly
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
Then-Canadian ambassador Chris Alexander’s inaccurate view that Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum was a remnant of Afghanistan’s past revealed just how little the youthful ambassador grasped the complexity of the Afghan political landscape, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times file photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | September 6, 2021
Then-Canadian ambassador Chris Alexander’s inaccurate view that Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum was a remnant of Afghanistan’s past revealed just how little the youthful ambassador grasped the complexity of the Afghan political landscape, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times file photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
There’ve been tough words, but as the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan now consists of nothing more than a desperate rear-guard securing the soon to be renamed Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. President Joe Biden’s only hope of punishing the culprits behind the Aug. 26 airport bombing will require the Taliban’s co-operation. Screenshot courtesy of CNN
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 30, 2021
There’ve been tough words, but as the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan now consists of nothing more than a desperate rear-guard securing the soon to be renamed Hamid Karzai International Airport, U.S. President Joe Biden’s only hope of punishing the culprits behind the Aug. 26 airport bombing will require the Taliban’s co-operation. Screenshot courtesy of CNN
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
No one can ever question the courage of the average Afghan fighter. Afghanistan has shed a lot of blood over the centuries to earn itself the moniker ‘the graveyard of empires,’ writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of France24
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 24, 2021
No one can ever question the courage of the average Afghan fighter. Afghanistan has shed a lot of blood over the centuries to earn itself the moniker ‘the graveyard of empires,’ writes Scott Taylor. Screenshot courtesy of France24
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was appealing to ‘regional strongman’ Atta Muhammad Noor, pictured second from the left, to help prevent the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif, as part of his last-ditch appeal to help repulse the Taliban advances, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph by ISAF Public Affairs
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 16, 2021
Afghan president Ashraf Ghani was appealing to ‘regional strongman’ Atta Muhammad Noor, pictured second from the left, to help prevent the fall of Mazar-i-Sharif, as part of his last-ditch appeal to help repulse the Taliban advances, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph by ISAF Public Affairs
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 9, 2021
The last Canadians involved in the NATO training mission in Afghanistan board a Chinook helicopter to leave Kabul in March 2014. Sparked by demands from Canadian veterans of that war, the Liberal government has been hurriedly arranging flights and visas for Afghan civilians who were formerly employed as interpreters by our combat forces, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces/Cplc Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 9, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 9, 2021
The last Canadians involved in the NATO training mission in Afghanistan board a Chinook helicopter to leave Kabul in March 2014. Sparked by demands from Canadian veterans of that war, the Liberal government has been hurriedly arranging flights and visas for Afghan civilians who were formerly employed as interpreters by our combat forces, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Canadian Armed Forces/Cplc Patrick Blanchard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2021
Canadian Armed Forces infantrymen deployed on Joint Task Force Operation Impact board a CC-130J Hercules for Iraq to begin their seven-month tour, at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait on Nov. 27, 2019. In March, the feds quietly extended Canada’s own military commitment to Iraq, known as Operation Impact, until the end of March 2022, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Jerome Lessard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | August 4, 2021
Canadian Armed Forces infantrymen deployed on Joint Task Force Operation Impact board a CC-130J Hercules for Iraq to begin their seven-month tour, at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait on Nov. 27, 2019. In March, the feds quietly extended Canada’s own military commitment to Iraq, known as Operation Impact, until the end of March 2022, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Jerome Lessard
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 26, 2021
Master Corporal Daniel Choong helps stabilize Lieutenant Commander Gina Connor with her fire stance as she fires her C7 rifle during firing practice at the Kabul Military Training Centre range in Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention on Oct. 30, 2013. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 26, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 26, 2021
Master Corporal Daniel Choong helps stabilize Lieutenant Commander Gina Connor with her fire stance as she fires her C7 rifle during firing practice at the Kabul Military Training Centre range in Kabul, Afghanistan during Operation Attention on Oct. 30, 2013. DND photograph by Sgt. Norm McLean
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 20, 2021
Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, the acting chief of the defence staff and Afghanistan veteran, issued a Forces-wide message on July 13, after the Taliban took the Afghanistan district of Panjwai, acknowledging that it 'has hit many of us particularly hard, and as we question our legacy, it serves as a harbinger for all Canadians who served in the country regardless of when and where.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 20, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 20, 2021
Lieutenant-General Wayne Eyre, the acting chief of the defence staff and Afghanistan veteran, issued a Forces-wide message on July 13, after the Taliban took the Afghanistan district of Panjwai, acknowledging that it 'has hit many of us particularly hard, and as we question our legacy, it serves as a harbinger for all Canadians who served in the country regardless of when and where.' The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 5, 2021
Initial statements by both Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, left, and then-chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance implied that the helicopter had crashed some distance from HMCS Fredericton, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 5, 2021
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | July 5, 2021
Initial statements by both Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, left, and then-chief of defence staff General Jonathan Vance implied that the helicopter had crashed some distance from HMCS Fredericton, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photographs by Andrew Meade