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For those who haven‘t already heard, this is official. Just got the word myself yesterday.
VICTORIA -- Canada‘s men and women in the military are being told to wear their uniforms proudly -- once they get to work.
In an unprecedented move, the Department of National Defence is ordering personnel not to wear uniforms off-base for security reasons as Canada‘s troops prepare to join the U.S.-led war against terrorism.
Members of the Canadian Forces must arrive for work in civilian clothes and change into uniform once they report for duty. The new policy is being put into effect as security is heightened at bases across the country.
"It‘s for security reasons," said Lieutenant Pierrette LeDrew, a Defence spokeswoman in Ottawa. "This policy applies to everybody."
The dress-code edict came down Monday -- the same day Defence Minister Art Eggleton announced Canada is sending 2,000 troops to support the U.S. campaign.
Military personnel are being told to keep a low profile in public. But officials were tight-lipped yesterday about security changes in the wake of Monday‘s announcement.
"We can‘t really discuss why these measures are being taken," said Lieutenant-Commander Yves Vanier of CFB Esquimalt outside Victoria.
He would not say whether any threats against Canadian military personnel have been made.
"It‘s part of the whole picture of ensuring the safety of our personnel," he said. "All these measures are being taken as a precaution."
Military police were stationed outside CFB Esquimalt yesterday to make sure only Forces members and authorized civilians entered the base. The MPs checked trunks and back seats before allowing vehicles through the gates.
About 225 members from CFB Esquimalt are among the 2,000 troops to be deployed, Canada‘s largest military effort since the Korean War. The contribution, called Operation Apollo, includes six warships and six aircraft. The Esquimalt-based frigate HMCS Vancouver and its crew of 225 are currently conducting military exercises off the coast of California.
Telling members of the military not to wear uniforms while off duty is highly unusual, said retired colonel Michel Drapeau of Ottawa.
"I‘ve never heard of it," he said. "I‘m puzzled by it. I think [the uniform] provides some measure of psychological support for the population. I find it unusual, to say the least."
HMCS Vancouver will return to the Vancouver Island base later this month so its crew can be reunited with family before joining a U.S. aircraft-carrier group as part of Operation Apollo.
Relatives of the frigate‘s crew are anxiously waiting for their loved ones to return. The ship set sail Saturday for the military exercise and is expected back by Oct. 20.
Lorie Hall was expecting her husband Mike to be gone for a few weeks on the training exercise. Now, uncertainty and fear hang over the next few months.
Mrs. Hall said she is relieved she and the couple‘s two-year-old son Robbie will get a chance to spend some time with her husband before the frigate is deployed.
VICTORIA -- Canada‘s men and women in the military are being told to wear their uniforms proudly -- once they get to work.
In an unprecedented move, the Department of National Defence is ordering personnel not to wear uniforms off-base for security reasons as Canada‘s troops prepare to join the U.S.-led war against terrorism.
Members of the Canadian Forces must arrive for work in civilian clothes and change into uniform once they report for duty. The new policy is being put into effect as security is heightened at bases across the country.
"It‘s for security reasons," said Lieutenant Pierrette LeDrew, a Defence spokeswoman in Ottawa. "This policy applies to everybody."
The dress-code edict came down Monday -- the same day Defence Minister Art Eggleton announced Canada is sending 2,000 troops to support the U.S. campaign.
Military personnel are being told to keep a low profile in public. But officials were tight-lipped yesterday about security changes in the wake of Monday‘s announcement.
"We can‘t really discuss why these measures are being taken," said Lieutenant-Commander Yves Vanier of CFB Esquimalt outside Victoria.
He would not say whether any threats against Canadian military personnel have been made.
"It‘s part of the whole picture of ensuring the safety of our personnel," he said. "All these measures are being taken as a precaution."
Military police were stationed outside CFB Esquimalt yesterday to make sure only Forces members and authorized civilians entered the base. The MPs checked trunks and back seats before allowing vehicles through the gates.
About 225 members from CFB Esquimalt are among the 2,000 troops to be deployed, Canada‘s largest military effort since the Korean War. The contribution, called Operation Apollo, includes six warships and six aircraft. The Esquimalt-based frigate HMCS Vancouver and its crew of 225 are currently conducting military exercises off the coast of California.
Telling members of the military not to wear uniforms while off duty is highly unusual, said retired colonel Michel Drapeau of Ottawa.
"I‘ve never heard of it," he said. "I‘m puzzled by it. I think [the uniform] provides some measure of psychological support for the population. I find it unusual, to say the least."
HMCS Vancouver will return to the Vancouver Island base later this month so its crew can be reunited with family before joining a U.S. aircraft-carrier group as part of Operation Apollo.
Relatives of the frigate‘s crew are anxiously waiting for their loved ones to return. The ship set sail Saturday for the military exercise and is expected back by Oct. 20.
Lorie Hall was expecting her husband Mike to be gone for a few weeks on the training exercise. Now, uncertainty and fear hang over the next few months.
Mrs. Hall said she is relieved she and the couple‘s two-year-old son Robbie will get a chance to spend some time with her husband before the frigate is deployed.
