CDS Hillier interview on CFRA, Ottawa/CPAC interview

Steve Madely interviewed the General from 0800 to 0900 today. Audio clips are here and here.

My brief summary of what the CDS said:

*Tanks vs. Mobile Gun System: MGS capabilities, esp. protection, still not up to snuff; Leopard I replacement needed.

*Strategic airlift (CC-177) is essential for missions at home (e.g. disaster assistance) and abroad.

*No specific "airborne" regiment will be created.

*The General is not feuding with MND O'Connor...but they have "intense discussions".

*In asserting Arctic sovereignty the Canadian Coast Guard has a role and the CF also have a part to play (no mention of any specific type of navy vessels [see Predate at link], whereas Auroras, troops were mentioned).

*Submarine program is on course except for Chicoutimi.

*CF-18 replacement, around 2017, will almost certainly not be a UAV.

*The Cyclone helicopters (Sea King replacements) are scheduled to start delivery in early 2009.

*The Griffin helicopters are OK for operations in Canada but have "huge limitations" for operations abroad.

*The Taliban this year are not going to try to seize and hold ground in major "offensives"; rather they will focus on suicide bombers, IEDs and simultaneous small scale hit and run ambushes.

*1,400 out of 2,500 Canadian troops live outside the Kandahar base.

*Recruiting goals are being met and the Afstan mission is actually a major pull factor; attrition is relatively low.

And an interview on CPAC, via Army.ca, will be rebroadcast March 1, 2 and 4. Video itself here.