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C3 Howitzer Replacement

The bigger question is why a huge event like this, that attracts thousands of 'military interested' civilians annually, is apparently being 'under supported' by CFRC. Although I'm sure they have reasons related to funding and mandate too.

Probably because we aren’t looking to recruit 47 yr old fathers of four.
 
I believe OP CONNECTION $ dried up in the late 2010s, so that's not available in the same way to support these events.

IIRC that 39 CBG unit presence comes and goes depending on what the Commander of the day wants to/ can support. I recall years where we had an Airborne Platoon jump onto the airfield from a C-130, for example.

Another issue is, as it takes place in August, all ARes units are dispersed on summer training/ tasks and/ or fire fighting.

The bigger question is why a huge event like this, that attracts thousands of 'military interested' civilians annually, is apparently being 'under supported' by CFRC. Although I'm sure they have reasons related to funding and mandate too.
Outreach events are not CFRC's problem. That's not in our mandate. Just like CFRC doesn't do its own adverts, doesnt do the Grey Cup, or snowbirds.

CFRG does recruiting/job events, which have a high probability of turning into applications, not feel good stuff for the public.
 
Outreach events are not CFRC's problem. That's not in our mandate. Just like CFRC doesn't do its own adverts, doesnt do the Grey Cup, or snowbirds.

CFRG does recruiting/job events, which have a high probability of turning into applications, not feel good stuff for the public.
Therein lies the COMREL gap. We're doing a comrel experiment at my unit in collaboration with the local recruiters, so far so good but it's still early days. People need to see cool shit and our recruiting system, especially at the CFRC level struggles with that immensely. Can't blame them though, they aren't allocated anything internally.
 

Longer article on the IFM. In particular this section is new info.

The Indirect Fires Modernisation (IFM) programme is identified as a priority within the Canadian Army’s broader modernisation efforts. The initiative is currently in the options analysis phase, with assessments focusing on the potential acquisition of a common fleet of medium 155mm 52-calibre self-propelled howitzers or a mixed fleet that includes both these systems and a light self-propelled artillery capability, such as a 120mm mortar system. The evaluation also considers the possible integration of loitering munitions through a separate urgent operational requirement. An initial procurement of up to 20 self-propelled howitzers may be conducted as an interim measure before full project implementation.
Computerised battlefield simulations have been conducted as part of the IFM programme’s options analysis phase. These simulations, developed using Python with the SimPy package, assessed the operational effectiveness of indirect fire systems, including 81mm and 120mm mortars, M777 lightweight towed howitzers, and rocket artillery. Data collected from workshops with subject matter experts have been used to refine the model, focusing on weapon system specifications, ammunition consumption, and mission success probabilities under different threat scenarios.

While full funding for the IFM programme has not yet been secured, it has been identified as the second-highest procurement priority for the Canadian Army, following the Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) programme. The Chief of the Canadian Army has highlighted the indirect fires capability gap as a critical issue, and efforts are ongoing to finalise funding recommendations. A statement of capability deficiency has been drafted to address operational gaps, particularly in relation to Canada’s commitments under Operation Reassurance.
 

Also this article
If K9 why not K9A2

Details of the K9A2 upgrade:

  • Enhanced main gun : New rifling and chrome plating will increase barrel life from 1,000 rounds to 1,500 rounds (with maximum charges), longer range, and allow faster firing rate.
  • High-response artillery automation system : Key feature of the A2 and future A3 upgrade. Reduces crew number from 5 to 3 (2 in emergency) by installing a fully automated autoloading system, which increases the maximum firing rate from 6 to 8 rds/min to 9 to 10 rds/min and sustain firing rate from 2 to 3 rds/min to 4 to 6 rds/min.
  • Increased sustained fire : All 48 rounds are located in the turret, and are accessible with the autoloader.
  • Turret driving system : Changes from an electrohydraulic to an electric driving system.
  • Automatic fire suppress system (AFSS) : Enhanced fire suppress system for crew protection.
  • Remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) : Enables use of a secondary weapon without exposing a crew member.
  • Air conditioning : Increases crew comfort by cooling down the temperature.
  • Modular charge system (MCS): Provides crew protection from secondary explosions due to enemy fire including heavy weapons, by adapting insensitive charge, and required for the automatic loading process.
  • Composite rubber track (CRT): Provides crew comfort by reducing vibration, noise, and lesser required maintenance. Reduced weight improves the vehicle's operational range. The rubber has a lower fatality from fragments to surrounding soldiers, compared to metal when under attack
  • Enhanced armor : Anti-tank mine protection. Similar to the AS9 Huntsman standard

K9A2 (with a remote controlled turret with 48 rounds on board) how about the same turret on an 8x8 or 10x10 as a complementary system?
 
Therein lies the COMREL gap. We're doing a comrel experiment at my unit in collaboration with the local recruiters, so far so good but it's still early days. People need to see cool shit and our recruiting system, especially at the CFRC level struggles with that immensely. Can't blame them though, they aren't allocated anything internally.

We tried that too, as I recall, but the CFRC workload/ resource constraints, different priorities "Mil Coll is our highest priority right now" and difficulties synching schedules "You guys only work evenings and weekends?" killed it.

Meanwhile, it sounds like CFRC is abandoning outreach activities in favour of advertising, which Comd CFRG is apparently keen on ;)


As the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) continue to support Canada’s national and international interests, bolstering our recruitment is critical. Appealing to potential recruits has become harder due to increased competition for qualified candidates, misconceptions about the military environment, and changing workplace values. As a result, basic outreach efforts are no longer attracting enough new members.

This personnel generation challenge provides us with a unique opportunity to deliberately refocus and inspire Canadians to see themselves excelling and thriving within our ranks.

“The ads invoked a sense of pride in me. I believe the internal audience, our currently serving members, will stand a little taller after seeing the new campaign. Just like I did, they will probably think to themselves: This IS For ME.”
- Col Nickolas Roby, Commander CFRG

 
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