Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site alberta.UUCP
Path: utzoo!utcsri!ubc-vision!alberta!dyck
From: dyck@alberta.UUCP (Terry Dyck)
Newsgroups: can.politics
Subject: Re: Re: Canada's defence : Doesn't anyone care?
Message-ID: <615@alberta.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 20-Aug-85 10:28:27 EDT
Article-I.D.: alberta.615
Posted: Tue Aug 20 10:28:27 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 21-Aug-85 23:28:26 EDT
References: <833@utcs.UUCP> <835@utcs.UUCP>
Distribution: can
Organization: U. of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Lines: 40



> So the $n billion spent on the CF-18 could have bought new trucks, and
> jeeps, and bullets (so the guys don't have to yell "bang-bang" when
> on manouvers...) to practice with.  In time of emergency (earthquake,
> tornado...pick your scenario) one of the local medical reserve
> battalions here in Toronto would have a tough time getting more than
> one or two vehicles rolling.

	With the amount of area the Canadian military has to cover,
and with limited funds, equipping the CAF was probably a good idea. 
 
BUT!!!!

	I do question the decision to purchase F-18's. The F-20 is far
cheaper and about equal in capabilities. It also is capable of greater
range. The F-16 is faster and more reliable and about the same price.
The Super Entende(sp?) is cheaper,faster, greater range, and like the 
F-16, battle proven. 

	I feel that the reason for purchacing the F-18 was not to update
our military, not enough were bought to make much difference, but because
the Americans were able to use political pressure on Canada to give their
F-18 program a boost. At that time the plane was in trouble. The USMC
wanted nothing to do with it and many analysts and politicians felt
that there were far too many bucks for the bang.

	I am all in favour of modernising our military. It was sadly
out of date when I was in and it has gotten even worse since then. But
please, lets do it with effectivness (cost as well as battle) in mind.
Having one good squadron of F-18 does not protect this country. Hell,
it can't even patrol it.           


			Terry Dyck
			University of Alberta
			ihnp4!alberta!dyck