Wednesday, May 15, 2024
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Inside Defence

Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2024
This summer’s retirement of Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre will open the door for the Liberals to start making good on promised reduction through attrition, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 13, 2024
This summer’s retirement of Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre will open the door for the Liberals to start making good on promised reduction through attrition, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 6, 2024
Although the band will play on, the Ceremonial Guard’s participation in the summer Changing of the Guard ceremony is just the latest casualty of the Armed Forces’ personnel problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 6, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 6, 2024
Although the band will play on, the Ceremonial Guard’s participation in the summer Changing of the Guard ceremony is just the latest casualty of the Armed Forces’ personnel problems. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 29, 2024
The saga to to replace the RCAF's aged-out CF-18 Hornet fighter jets could turn into election campaign fodder, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Pierre Habib
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 29, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 29, 2024
The saga to to replace the RCAF's aged-out CF-18 Hornet fighter jets could turn into election campaign fodder, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Pierre Habib
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 22, 2024
Close followers of the Canadian Armed Forces have good reason to believe that little of what is promised in the defence policy update released by Defence Minister Bill Blair on April 8 will ever see the light of day, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 22, 2024
Close followers of the Canadian Armed Forces have good reason to believe that little of what is promised in the defence policy update released by Defence Minister Bill Blair on April 8 will ever see the light of day, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 15, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair took two years to unveil the defence policy update, which is not an ‘urgent’ response in any universe, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 15, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 15, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair took two years to unveil the defence policy update, which is not an ‘urgent’ response in any universe, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2024
Victorious Canadians going out for a rest in May 1917 after the fighting on Vimy Ridge. Scott Taylor writes that he has long challenged the premise that Canada fighting an imperial war to aid Britain somehow reflects our independence as a nation. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 8, 2024
Victorious Canadians going out for a rest in May 1917 after the fighting on Vimy Ridge. Scott Taylor writes that he has long challenged the premise that Canada fighting an imperial war to aid Britain somehow reflects our independence as a nation. Photograph courtesy of Library and Archives Canada
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2024
A Leopard 2A4 tank is unloaded from an RCAF CC-177 on Feb. 5, 2023, as part of Canada’s aid to Ukraine. DND photograph by Master Corporal Desiree Bourdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 1, 2024
A Leopard 2A4 tank is unloaded from an RCAF CC-177 on Feb. 5, 2023, as part of Canada’s aid to Ukraine. DND photograph by Master Corporal Desiree Bourdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2024
The blockbuster Top Gun sequel didn’t send hordes of young men and women racing to the nearest RCAF recruiting centre, and if it had, the depleted RCAF Fighter Wing is hard pressed to absorb them, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Manuela Berger
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 25, 2024
The blockbuster Top Gun sequel didn’t send hordes of young men and women racing to the nearest RCAF recruiting centre, and if it had, the depleted RCAF Fighter Wing is hard pressed to absorb them, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cpl. Manuela Berger
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2024
The current odds-on favourite to get the nod is Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 18, 2024
The current odds-on favourite to get the nod is Lt.-Gen. Jennie Carignan, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair openly admitted in a March 7 speech that the CAF is in terrible shape, but made no concrete announcements towards fixing it, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 11, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair openly admitted in a March 7 speech that the CAF is in terrible shape, but made no concrete announcements towards fixing it, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron’s fellow NATO state leaders aren’t lining up to back his proposal that alliance members help out Ukraine with combat forces on an ‘official basis.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | March 4, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron’s fellow NATO state leaders aren’t lining up to back his proposal that alliance members help out Ukraine with combat forces on an ‘official basis.’ The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2024
The gap between authorized strength and service members in uniform will only widen as the senior leadership are failing miserably in both recruiting new candidates and retaining trained soldiers, sailors, and aircrew, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sailor First Class Alexandra Proulx
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 26, 2024
The gap between authorized strength and service members in uniform will only widen as the senior leadership are failing miserably in both recruiting new candidates and retaining trained soldiers, sailors, and aircrew, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sailor First Class Alexandra Proulx
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair’s Feb. 15 announcement week was simply the result of a months’-long competition for a low-level air-defence system that began in January 2023, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 19, 2024
Defence Minister Bill Blair’s Feb. 15 announcement week was simply the result of a months’-long competition for a low-level air-defence system that began in January 2023, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2024
Having homeless veterans across Canada is a tragedy. Having homeless serving members is a national disgrace, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. JF Lauzã
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 12, 2024
Having homeless veterans across Canada is a tragedy. Having homeless serving members is a national disgrace, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Sgt. JF Lauzã
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 5, 2024
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre appears as a witness before the House National Defence Committee on Sept. 28, 2023. Recommendations to fix the military’s culture through new dress and deportment regulations, and a few new pieces of kit will not put Humpty Dumpty back together again. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 5, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | February 5, 2024
Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre appears as a witness before the House National Defence Committee on Sept. 28, 2023. Recommendations to fix the military’s culture through new dress and deportment regulations, and a few new pieces of kit will not put Humpty Dumpty back together again. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 29, 2024
Ukraine’s military desperately needs artillery ammunition, drones, combat aircraft, low-level air defence systems, and manpower, but as Defence Minister Bill Blair announced on Jan. 23, Canada is sending them 10 Zodiac boats instead, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 29, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 29, 2024
Ukraine’s military desperately needs artillery ammunition, drones, combat aircraft, low-level air defence systems, and manpower, but as Defence Minister Bill Blair announced on Jan. 23, Canada is sending them 10 Zodiac boats instead, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members participate in a tree-planting exercise as part of Operation Reassurance at Camp Adazi Training Area in Latvia on May 5, 2023. The orderly conduct of the Canadian contingent in Latvia made Russian misinformation fizzle on impact, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Darren McDonald
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 22, 2024
Canadian Armed Forces members participate in a tree-planting exercise as part of Operation Reassurance at Camp Adazi Training Area in Latvia on May 5, 2023. The orderly conduct of the Canadian contingent in Latvia made Russian misinformation fizzle on impact, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Darren McDonald
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2024
With the advent of technology, crew sizes in conventional warships can be drastically reduced and the future of military aviation is unmanned drones, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by S1 Taylor Congdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 15, 2024
With the advent of technology, crew sizes in conventional warships can be drastically reduced and the future of military aviation is unmanned drones, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by S1 Taylor Congdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2024
A door gunner with the Tactical Aviation Detachment watches out of a CH-146 Griffon helicopter during Operation Impact on Sept. 27, 2017. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 8, 2024
A door gunner with the Tactical Aviation Detachment watches out of a CH-146 Griffon helicopter during Operation Impact on Sept. 27, 2017. Photograph courtesy of the Department of National Defence
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2023. The new American strategy is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defensive positions in advance of any peace negotiations, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Adam Schultz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2024
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | January 3, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Feb. 20, 2023. The new American strategy is aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defensive positions in advance of any peace negotiations, writes Scott Taylor. White House photograph by Adam Schultz
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 27, 2023
Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre, left, and Defence Minister Bill Blair attend a House National Defence Committee meeting on Sept. 28, 2023. In the past year, Canada has announced more than $30-billion in new defence contracts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 27, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 27, 2023
Chief of Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre, left, and Defence Minister Bill Blair attend a House National Defence Committee meeting on Sept. 28, 2023. In the past year, Canada has announced more than $30-billion in new defence contracts, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2023
Unfortunately, without a major uptake in recruiting and training to bring the Canadian Armed Forces back to full strength, the coming year will be a steep challenge, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cplc Laura Landry
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 18, 2023
Unfortunately, without a major uptake in recruiting and training to bring the Canadian Armed Forces back to full strength, the coming year will be a steep challenge, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Cplc Laura Landry
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2023
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee knows that you cannot sugarcoat reality to those in the Royal Canadian Navy who are living and toiling in its midst, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Daniel Pereira
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 11, 2023
Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee knows that you cannot sugarcoat reality to those in the Royal Canadian Navy who are living and toiling in its midst, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Private Daniel Pereira
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2023
While emphatically insisting to media that all steps were taken by the CAF instructors to identify potential extremists, military leaders also conceded that Ukraine is a sovereign country, and as such, the vetting of recruits is their responsibility, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | December 4, 2023
While emphatically insisting to media that all steps were taken by the CAF instructors to identify potential extremists, military leaders also conceded that Ukraine is a sovereign country, and as such, the vetting of recruits is their responsibility, writes Scott Taylor. DND photograph by Corporal Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2023
Michael Spavor, left, is seeking a settlement from the Canadian government after alleging he was detained in China because he unwittingly provided intelligence on North Korea to Canada and allied spy services through Michael Kovrig. Photograph courtesy of X and the International Crisis Group
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 27, 2023
Michael Spavor, left, is seeking a settlement from the Canadian government after alleging he was detained in China because he unwittingly provided intelligence on North Korea to Canada and allied spy services through Michael Kovrig. Photograph courtesy of X and the International Crisis Group
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2023
A senior officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force has been charged after the Canada Border Services Agency seized various prohibited weapons including handguns, assault rifles, shot guns, ammunition, and magazines in October 2023. Photograph courtesy of the CBSA
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 20, 2023
A senior officer with the Royal Canadian Air Force has been charged after the Canada Border Services Agency seized various prohibited weapons including handguns, assault rifles, shot guns, ammunition, and magazines in October 2023. Photograph courtesy of the CBSA
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2023
Canadian Forces soldiers from Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 4 participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony held at Kandahar Airfield, Nov. 11, 2007. DND photograph by Cplc Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | November 13, 2023
Canadian Forces soldiers from Joint Task Force Afghanistan Roto 4 participate in a Remembrance Day ceremony held at Kandahar Airfield, Nov. 11, 2007. DND photograph by Cplc Robert Bottrill
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 26, 2023
The recent tragic loss of Captains David Domagala, left, and Marc Larouche will reverberate throughout the entire defence community, writes Scott Taylor. Handout photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 26, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 26, 2023
The recent tragic loss of Captains David Domagala, left, and Marc Larouche will reverberate throughout the entire defence community, writes Scott Taylor. Handout photograph
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 19, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participates in a ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the National Guard of Ukraine on March 24. On the battlefield, it is apparent the Ukrainian military has begun its counteroffensive, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the office the President of Ukraine/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 19, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 19, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participates in a ceremony marking the ninth anniversary of the National Guard of Ukraine on March 24. On the battlefield, it is apparent the Ukrainian military has begun its counteroffensive, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the office the President of Ukraine/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 12, 2023
Members from the 41 Canadian Brigade and local firefighters participate in fire prevention operations in Drayton Valley, Alta., on May 15. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 12, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 12, 2023
Members from the 41 Canadian Brigade and local firefighters participate in fire prevention operations in Drayton Valley, Alta., on May 15. DND photograph by MCpl Genevieve Lapointe
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 5, 2023
An Avidrone Avipak30 automated cargo delivery system is displayed at the Avidrone Aerospace booth at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on May 31. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 5, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | June 5, 2023
An Avidrone Avipak30 automated cargo delivery system is displayed at the Avidrone Aerospace booth at the CANSEC trade show in Ottawa on May 31. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 29, 2023
As a sort of chess-move counter to Russia losing the battlefield advantage, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently ordered the forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons into neighbouring Belarus, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 29, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 29, 2023
As a sort of chess-move counter to Russia losing the battlefield advantage, Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently ordered the forward deployment of tactical nuclear weapons into neighbouring Belarus, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Ottawa on Sept. 23, 2022. There was media speculation that during a recent meeting in Korea, talks between the two leaders involved a potential submarine deal, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 24, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 24, 2023
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, right, and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Ottawa on Sept. 23, 2022. There was media speculation that during a recent meeting in Korea, talks between the two leaders involved a potential submarine deal, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Sam Garcia
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 15, 2023
To give them credit, the Vimy Foundation has been hugely successful in promoting the Vimy Ridge myth over the past two decades, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Andy Hay/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 15, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 15, 2023
To give them credit, the Vimy Foundation has been hugely successful in promoting the Vimy Ridge myth over the past two decades, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of Andy Hay/Flickr
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 8, 2023
Members of MV Asterix perform a replenishment at sea with HMS Lancaster in the Red Sea during Operation Savanne on April 27. DND photograph by S1 Taylor Congdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 8, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 8, 2023
Members of MV Asterix perform a replenishment at sea with HMS Lancaster in the Red Sea during Operation Savanne on April 27. DND photograph by S1 Taylor Congdon
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 1, 2023
On April 27, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the Canadian Armed Forces would be belatedly riding to the rescue for Canadian nationals in Sudan, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 1, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | May 1, 2023
On April 27, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the Canadian Armed Forces would be belatedly riding to the rescue for Canadian nationals in Sudan, writes Scott Taylor. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 26, 2023
Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre speaks with soldiers deployed on Operation Unifier in the U.K. on Oct. 28, 2022. Last October, Eyre declared the personnel shortage to be the CAF’s No. 1 priority, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Corp. Eric Greico
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 26, 2023
Opinion | BY SCOTT TAYLOR | April 26, 2023
Chief of the Defence Staff General Wayne Eyre speaks with soldiers deployed on Operation Unifier in the U.K. on Oct. 28, 2022. Last October, Eyre declared the personnel shortage to be the CAF’s No. 1 priority, writes Scott Taylor. Photograph courtesy of the CAF/Corp. Eric Greico