Generally Speaking
The National Post says that Mr. Harper needs to loosen the leash on General Hillier, and let the man speak his mind.
Consider:
1) The Senate committee on National Defence has severely criticized Canada's generals for given vague and politically neutral answers when appearing before the committee.
2) The decline of Canada's armed forces was presided over by generals who did not inform the public of the risks involved in such a collapse of capacity.
3) The public is largely ignorant of things military, and this can only be remedied by officers at all levels explaining the military fact in Canada.
4) General Hillier is not only a Cabinet appointee. He is an officer appointed by commission from HM the Queen, which means that his loyalty goes beyond loyalty to the Prime Minister. His loyalty is to Canada and its national interest, through the Crown. While General Hilliers' pronouncements have political implications, they are conceived to provide the Canadian public and government with information and advice for the betterment of the armed forces. He is also aware the the military is under civilian control, and his expert opinion is intended to convince civilians of the needs faced by a military that is being demanded much by its government.
Generally speaking, we need speaking generals.
Consider:
1) The Senate committee on National Defence has severely criticized Canada's generals for given vague and politically neutral answers when appearing before the committee.
2) The decline of Canada's armed forces was presided over by generals who did not inform the public of the risks involved in such a collapse of capacity.
3) The public is largely ignorant of things military, and this can only be remedied by officers at all levels explaining the military fact in Canada.
4) General Hillier is not only a Cabinet appointee. He is an officer appointed by commission from HM the Queen, which means that his loyalty goes beyond loyalty to the Prime Minister. His loyalty is to Canada and its national interest, through the Crown. While General Hilliers' pronouncements have political implications, they are conceived to provide the Canadian public and government with information and advice for the betterment of the armed forces. He is also aware the the military is under civilian control, and his expert opinion is intended to convince civilians of the needs faced by a military that is being demanded much by its government.
Generally speaking, we need speaking generals.
posted by Lt Smash at 7:03 AM
2 Comments:
I think we should not jump the gun too early on these mesures but we have to keep a close eye.... Gen Hillier is the first CDS that I know who truly speak his mind up. We need as CF member a true leader like him in our political life in order to make sure, he explain why and how we do, as CF, do things.
I would be more preoccupied on the relation between the CDS and the Def Minister. Those two fellows seems not to be on the same sheet of music on what the CF might become. This is more frightening... We shall see.
Je suis entièrement d'accord avec vous deux. La loyauté du CDS est envers le pays, d'abord et avant tout. Je trouve aussi très rafraîchissant le leadership et le franc parlé du Gen Hillier. Je crois qu'il projette une très belle image des FC et son aisance avec les médias doit valoir toutes les campagnes de pub des FC!
Malheureusement, je suis aussi inquiète de la relation entre le Gen Hillier et le ministre de la défense. Ici vous pourrez me corriger, je ne connais pas très bien le mode de nominationdes CDS mais n'est-ce pas la responsabilité du MP donc du partie au pouvoir? Si oui, est-ce que ce mode de nomination est approprié?
Sorry for the french. I hope it's ok with you because my english is not that good but it should improve over the months... :)
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