DEI, Gender & the Military | J.O. Michel Maisonneuve, Barbara Maisonneuve, & Mark Norman | EP 468

The State of the Canadian Military: A Deep Dive with Veteran Insights

This episode of the podcast features a compelling discussion with three retired Canadian military officers - Mark Norman, a retired naval officer and former commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, Michelle Mnu, a retired armored core officer and former principal of the Military College in Saint-Jean, and Barbara Kage, a retired Royal Canadian Air Force officer and veteran of the military police. Together, they paint a stark picture of the Canadian military's current state and offer insightful perspectives on its challenges, future prospects, and the vital role it plays in a complex global landscape.

Core Concepts and Philosophies

The discussion revolves around the notion that the Canadian military is facing a multifaceted crisis, characterized by:

• **Underfunding and Under-Support:** The military has been chronically underfunded and under-supported for decades, leading to equipment shortages, maintenance issues, and a struggle to attract and retain qualified personnel.
• **Erosion of International Credibility:** Canada's commitment to its military alliances and international obligations has been questioned, leading to a decline in its reputation as a reliable and dependable partner.
• **Internal Challenges:** The discussion highlights a range of internal issues, including concerns about recruitment and retention, the impact of a shifting global threat landscape, and the potential pitfalls of implementing DEI initiatives without a clear understanding of their implications.

Practical Strategies and Advice

Based on their extensive experience, the guests offer practical insights and advice, including:

• **Focus on Meritocracy:** The guests emphasize the importance of a meritocratic system within the military, ensuring that the most qualified individuals are selected for roles, regardless of gender or background.
• **Prioritize Mission Focus:** The guests highlight the core purpose of the military, which is to execute its mission effectively, and warn against prioritizing social agendas that may detract from operational capability.
• **Embrace a Warrior Culture:** The guests advocate for a strong warrior culture within the military, emphasizing the importance of discipline, dedication, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
• **Open Communication and Transparency:** The guests underscore the importance of open communication between military leadership and personnel, as well as transparency with the public about the challenges facing the armed forces.
• **Invest in Modernization and Technology:** The guests emphasize the need for the military to invest in modernization and adopt new technologies to effectively address the evolving threat landscape, including cyber security and artificial intelligence.

Supporting Evidence

The discussion draws on anecdotal evidence from the guests' personal experiences, as well as references to public statements and reports from senior military leaders, including the Canadian Chaplain General. The guests also cite research on the impact of alcohol consumption and the nature of gender differences in occupational choices.

Personal Application

The guests share their personal experiences within the military, highlighting the challenges they faced, the values they uphold, and the importance of service. They also share their insights into the changing culture of the military and how it has evolved over time, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes operational readiness and meritocratic principles.

Recommendations for Tools and Techniques

The discussion does not explicitly recommend specific tools or techniques for improving the state of the military. However, it implicitly suggests a focus on:

• **Open and Honest Dialogue:** Encouraging open communication within the military and between leadership and the public.
• **Data-Driven Decision Making:** Utilizing data and analysis to understand the challenges facing the military and develop informed solutions.
• **Strategic Planning:** Developing clear strategic plans that address the evolving threat landscape, modernization needs, and the importance of attracting and retaining qualified personnel.

The episode concludes with a call for action, urging Canadians and the international community to recognize the importance of a strong and capable military and to support policies that prioritize its readiness and effectiveness.