Canada's Military Readiness Faces Alarming Challenges

Only 58% of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) would be able to respond if called upon in a crisis by NATO allies, a concerning figure that underscores the challenges facing Canada's military readiness. According to a recent internal Department of National Defence (DND) presentation obtained by CBC News, almost half of the military's equipment is considered "unavailable and unserviceable" as of December 31, 2023. The state of military readiness in Canada has been on a decline, with figures showing a worsening situation compared to the previous year's federal budget documents. The readiness issues have been a topic of discussion at House of Commons defence committee meetings, sparking growing concerns among Canadians about the country's military preparedness. Support for Canada meeting NATO's military spending benchmark currently stands at 53%, a number that rises to 65% when considering the potential for a second Donald Trump presidency in the U.S. Areas of concern highlighted in the DND presentation include people shortages, funding shortfalls, equipment availability, and serviceability across the air force, navy, and army. The military is facing a shortage of 15,780 members encompassing both regular and reserve elements. In an effort to address some of the challenges, recent reallocation of funding within DND has resulted in cuts to certain areas to fund new equipment acquisitions, with $79 million of the shuffled $810 million coming from "ready forces." Former vice-admiral Mark Norman has described the current state of CAF's combat readiness as "borderline atrocious," emphasizing the urgent need for improvements. Canada's position among allies is slipping, with a growing gap between international commitments and the country's capacity to fulfill them. NATO has been pushing for each member country to meet its designated contributions and has recently increased its high-alert force size requirement. Challenges faced by the Canadian military include the aging and maintenance needs of older equipment, further complicating efforts to enhance readiness. Acknowledging the need for improvements, Defence Minister Bill Blair has conceded that there is work to be done in boosting military readiness. Efforts to recruit permanent residents into the ranks have been made to address recruitment challenges, but the overall state of readiness is still marred by bureaucratic and political hurdles, as well as delayed problem-solving strategies. At the Conference of Defence Associations Institute, Minister Blair addressed concerns about Canada's place in the world and the military's capacity, admitting to the existing unease within the country regarding these issues. A year ago, the CDAI had sent a letter urging the government to prioritize national security and defense more seriously, a call that has yet to be fully answered. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pointed to competing priorities for government funding, highlighting the balancing act faced by policymakers. However, internal documents have warned of decreasing military readiness due to recruitment challenges and equipment issues, raising questions about the government's response to pressing national security concerns. Surveys have indicated a growing public concern about the military's state, especially in light of threats from former President Donald Trump to allies. Canadians are increasingly prioritizing military preparedness and the country's global standing, with support for higher defense spending and meeting NATO's spending benchmark seeing an upward trend. Canada's hesitation to meet the two percent GDP defense spending target set by NATO is seen as out of step with its allies, potentially putting the government at odds with public expectations. The federal Conservatives have pledged to work towards the NATO target, signaling a bipartisan recognition of the importance of strengthening Canada's defense capabilities. Former NATO ambassador Kerry Buck has called for an integrated national security and foreign policy strategy that aligns with public sentiment, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing military readiness. Retired vice-admiral Mark Norman believes the current polling data marks a turning point, stressing the significance of prioritizing the right actions over mere popularity in addressing crucial national security issues.