Backgrounder, painting the big picture.....
Backgrounder
Canada First Defence Strategy – the four pillars
BG.08.013 - May 12, 2008
The future security environment calls for a combat-capable, flexible, multi-role military. Recognizing this, the Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a vision for future operations as well as the funding required to support it. This vision, coupled with committed long-term funding, will allow the Canadian Forces to maintain excellence in operations at home, be a solid partner in continental defence, and fulfill a leadership role abroad.
The continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Canadian Forces requires a long-term framework to address demand across the four “pillars” upon which military capabilities are built – personnel, infrastructure, readiness and equipment. Military capabilities are developed over long periods of time and are the product of continued investment in the four key pillars.
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, as proposed in Budget 2008, the Government is establishing predictable, long-term funding to expand the Canadian Forces, modernize CF capabilities, increase CF readiness and ensure the viability of infrastructure, striking the right balance among the four pillars on which military capabilities are developed. All of these investments will guarantee that the Canadian Forces can meet Canada’s future defence and security requirements, and ensure both the enhanced security of Canadians at home and a stronger voice for Canada on the world stage.
Increasing CF Readiness
To support its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is providing National Defence with long-term funding in Budget 2008 and a commitment to increase the overall readiness of the Canadian Forces. Readiness is the measure of the Canadian Forces’s flexibility and responsiveness to government direction and encompasses the training, maintenance and resources required for the CF to deploy. The Canadian Forces are called upon to fulfill a multitude of tasks both at home and abroad. Everyday across Canada, the CF retains assets on short notice to move. These assets are prepared to respond domestically, continentally and internationally. Maintaining these units at a certain level of readiness involves varying degrees of investment in equipment and infrastructure maintenance, spare parts, clothing, refits, exercises, fuel and ammunition.
Through its Canada First Defence Strategy, the Government is investing in an increased state of CF readiness. For example, with the implementation of the strategy, more resources will be allocated to the acquisition of spare parts and equipment maintenance. This means that equipment will be more readily available for training and operations, which in turn will improve the overall state of readiness of the Forces.
Viability of Infrastructure
Defence is the single largest property holder in the federal government, with over 21,000 buildings and more than 12,000 roads and utilities on over 800 properties. Approximately 50 per cent of the department's infrastructure portfolio is over 50 years old. As a result, there is a need to modernize and update DND infrastructure. To date, the Government of Canada has announced several infrastructure upgrades across the country – the first step in an ongoing commitment to provide DND/CF with the infrastructure needed to fulfill its mandate.
The CFDS aims to replace or refurbish approximately 25 per cent of DND infrastructure holdings within 10 years, with approximately 50 per cent being replaced or refurbished over 20 years. Equipment acquisitions and initiatives announced in the last two years included significant funding for infrastructure, and future acquisitions will similarly include the funding required to build new infrastructure and/or upgrade existing facilities. DND infrastructure holdings will be regularly reviewed to maximize efficiency at the national level to ensure bases efficiently support operational requirements and at the local level to ensure local facilities services are being provided in the most efficient manner.
Modernizing CF Equipment
Over the next 20 years, six of the CF’s core equipment fleets will reach the end of their operational lives and will need to be replaced. These include destroyers, frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft, fighter aircraft and land combat vehicles and systems. The Canada First Defence Strategy is a blueprint aimed at replacing these six core equipment fleets.
The planned replacement of the CF’s major capital fleets complements the significant steps that the Government has already taken to strengthen the Canadian Forces, including the procurement of new and upgraded equipment such as strategic and tactical lift aircraft, Joint Support Ships, armoured vehicles, helicopters, and Arctic/Offshore patrol ships.
The Department will be seeking innovative and cost-reducing solutions for future procurements.
Expanding the Forces
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long term defence program that includes expanding both the Regular and Reserve Forces and will build on the work that has already been done in this area.
Currently:
* The Regular Force strength is approximately 65,000
* The Reserve Force strength is approximately 24,000
* Approximately half of all defence expenditures—over $9 billion annually—is spent on people.
The Canada First Defence Strategy sets out a long-term defence program that includes expanding to 70,000 Regular Force and 30,000 Reserve Force personnel. As the costs associated with significant personnel increases are high, the personnel levels set out in the plan represent an affordable and balanced solution. The strategy provides a solid foundation upon which to continue growing towards CF expansion targets.