CTV blows it big time

A story by journalists who know nothing about Afstan or the CF, and did no homework:

Canadian ready to lead NATO forces in Afghanistan

The Canadian who will take over the leadership of NATO forces in Afghanistan says recommendations made in the Manley panel report should help the war-torn country move towards a fuller democracy.

Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson will become the Commander of NATO troops after a handover ceremony in May. He told Canada AM Friday that Canadian soldiers can help Afghanis achieve a stable country through a three-prong process...

Thompson said NATO has to provide the "security bubble" that will allow civilians to work to develop the country's government and infrastructure. He said he's been preparing for the upcoming mission since last summer, a training period that will be about the length of the mission itself.

"That's included at least six exercises in such places as Honduras, Texas, and Alberta," he said...

Well, that headline might come as a surprise to US Army Gen. David D. McKiernan, the next ISAF commander.

In fact I am certain the Brig.-Gen. Thompson will be assuming command of the CF's Roto 5, Joint Task Force Afghanistan. At the moment the Task Force is still under Brig.-Gen. Guy Laroche, commander of Roto 4.

The headline surely will also surprise Canadian Maj.-Gen. J.G.M Lessard, who will be Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson's immediate superior as commander, ISAF Regional Command South.

Update: CTV has revised the story:

...
Brig.-Gen. Denis Thompson will lead Joint Task Force Afghanistan after a handover ceremony in May...

But Maj.-Gen. Lessard will still be surprised by the new headline:

Canadian ready to lead NATO forces in Kandahar

Maybe the right headline just doesn't have enough ooomph:

Canadian ready to lead Canadian forces in Kandahar

Will CTV get it right the third time?