I'm not writing about Canada's Military at War in a historical sense now, now I'm writing about it in real time. I've not written about the attacks of September 11th and it's effects on the Canadian people and it's military yet, because I've been waiting for the Canadian government to make a plan, and enact it. The Canadian Military has a rich and very proud history of being there when called upon and doing more than called for when they arrive.
And now it has. The Canadian government has sent six ships, six planes and approximately 2,000 troops to the region of Afghanistan, The HMCS Iroquois, the HMCS Vancouver, the HMCS Preserver, HMCS Halifax, and the HMCS Charlottetown are some of the naval vessels sent from the department of the navy to serve in the Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf areas. The aircraft deployed by the Canadian Air Force to the area are three Hercules, One Airbus, and two Aurora maritime patrol craft. In addition to the ships the Canadian Navy supply ship HMCS Preserver will carry a compliment of Sea King helicopters.
In addition, the Canadian JTF 2 (Joint Task Force Two), a special forces team of the Canadian Military is also being deployed to the region to help in covert and overt operations. The JTF 2 is in the category of the U.S. Rangers, The U.S. Special Forces (Green Beret), and the British SAS (Special Air Service).
The Canadian military although at a low point in it's number of members, has sent what it is capable of and are sure they can do what they are called upon to do. Most see the role of the Canadian force as being backup/shield for the United States and British forces in the Arabian Sea. Aside from the efforts of the JTF 2 in it's special forces role, the Canadian Navy will be responsible for protection of the attacking fleet, and for humanitarian efforts.
At home, the Canadian people are giving their troops their full support. The send off in Halifax Harbour was impressive for such a cold rainy day, even the Prime Minister Jean Chretien attended and gave a speech. The Canadian Military has always been, for it's size, one of the best, most contributing forces of any country in the world. Many have never been in battle, nor even close to a combat area - but they go. They go into the unknown, believing in their leaders, believing in the cause, and believing in themselves.
Lest We Forget
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