Afghanistan deja-vu: Lessons from the Soviet experience
- Thread starter seth gecko
- Start date
Thanks.
The sentiment will always always appreciated.
The DND recently began to revamp the way it will handle mental health issues, for both current and former military personnel. Something, based on what I've learned in the months following my friends passing, which is sorely needed. Canada has been above-average in veterans affairs, but there is still lots of room for improvement. There are acceptable and inherent risks to a career in the military, unlike the majority of other jobs, but suicide stemming from those risks and exacerbated by insufficient support afterwards should NOT be one of them. Slapping a yellow "support our troops" sticker on your bumper, or debating the merits of the mission on some sleazy web forum (not this one!), or giving a couple of bucks for a poppy on Remembrance Day, may not be enough. For those of you who really "support our troops", ask what you can do to get involved to help them, or their families, or their survivors. Sept 11, 2001 was a terrible, terrible event, as was Oct 7, 2001 for others, and even Aug 20, 1998 for yet others. These all contributed to one more life lost on July 15, 2009.
I tried, in most of my posts on the topic, to illustrate just how f*cked up the situation we are in regarding A-stan, with historical and current information. I think I've provided people with info they weren't aware of before, and they can choose to accept or deny any of it as they see fit. I've also learned things I wasn't aware of, and during my time there I was much better informed than average (or so I thought!). Whether you support the Afghan mission, or not, the burden on all parties over there on the ground is simply incredible. A-stan might be saved, it might not. Yemen could become the next shithole in the daily news, it may not. AQ could be dismantled, or it might not. Some other group might pick up the fight, or, they may not. Regardless...."support our troops"? Please do what YOU can to ease their burdens, current and future.
Anyhow, thanks Aardvark154. You seem to be a decent guy......for a lawyer!!
Rant over, soapbox now being dismantled for firewood.
A major victory for Canadian troops!!!
Spouses and common law partners of soldiers, police officers and civil servants killed in the line of duty could soon get first dibs on many civil service jobs, Sun Media has learned.
Under proposed changes to the federal government's hiring rules, spouses of those killed since Oct. 7, 2001, when Canada began its mission in Afghanistan, would get "priority" standing for jobs open to external candidates.
The proposal also clarifies some of the provisions for those injured in the line of duty. For example, they have up to five years after a medical discharge to request priority status for another job with the civil service.
Notice of the proposed changes was published Saturday in the government's Canada Gazette. Canadians have 30 days to submit comments.
The changes could impact dozens of Canadians whose lives have been tragically affected by Canada's mission in Afghanistan. To date, 133 soldiers and one diplomat have been killed -- often leaving behind spouses and young families.
Several RCMP officers have also been killed during the time period covered by the proposed changes.
Dan Dugas, spokesman for Defence Minister Peter MacKay, welcomed the proposal.
PRIORITY
"Military families have always been a priority for us...and anything that helps deal with any injury or loss is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform," he said.
But if the spouses of those killed in the line of duty are about to get priority for civil service jobs, future staff in the governor general's office are about to lose theirs.
Currently, some staff in the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General who are classified as "excluded" -- those in positions excluded from some of the rules governing the public service -- can be given priority for other civil service jobs open to internal candidates.
The government says the move brings the governor general's office in line with similar changes already introduced for cabinet ministers' staff.
While those working for Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean when the measure goes into effect will be grandfathered, those hired after the changes go into effect won't get priority for other civil service jobs.
The notice said the OSGG was consulted and supports the change provided those currently working at Rideau Hall keep their priority status.
OK Canadians....if you really "support the troops", now's the time for YOU to do YOUR part and submit your comments FAVOURING THIS INITIATIVE!!!
We have multi-page threads on some stuff that's, IMO, pretty irrelevent to Canadian interests (minarets in Switzerland?). Canadian men and women are risking their lives, limbs, mental health, etc in Afghanistan (and elsewhere) and a repatriation ceremony or "highway of heroes" parade DOES NOT HELP THE SURVIVORS!
If you claim to support the troops....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!
If you feel the war is a just cause....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!
If you think we're complicit in torture....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!!
If you like to debate minituae ad naseum....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!!
Everbody.....do what YOU can to get behind this to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
Spouses and common law partners of soldiers, police officers and civil servants killed in the line of duty could soon get first dibs on many civil service jobs, Sun Media has learned.
Under proposed changes to the federal government's hiring rules, spouses of those killed since Oct. 7, 2001, when Canada began its mission in Afghanistan, would get "priority" standing for jobs open to external candidates.
The proposal also clarifies some of the provisions for those injured in the line of duty. For example, they have up to five years after a medical discharge to request priority status for another job with the civil service.
Notice of the proposed changes was published Saturday in the government's Canada Gazette. Canadians have 30 days to submit comments.
The changes could impact dozens of Canadians whose lives have been tragically affected by Canada's mission in Afghanistan. To date, 133 soldiers and one diplomat have been killed -- often leaving behind spouses and young families.
Several RCMP officers have also been killed during the time period covered by the proposed changes.
Dan Dugas, spokesman for Defence Minister Peter MacKay, welcomed the proposal.
PRIORITY
"Military families have always been a priority for us...and anything that helps deal with any injury or loss is the least we can do for our men and women in uniform," he said.
But if the spouses of those killed in the line of duty are about to get priority for civil service jobs, future staff in the governor general's office are about to lose theirs.
Currently, some staff in the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General who are classified as "excluded" -- those in positions excluded from some of the rules governing the public service -- can be given priority for other civil service jobs open to internal candidates.
The government says the move brings the governor general's office in line with similar changes already introduced for cabinet ministers' staff.
While those working for Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean when the measure goes into effect will be grandfathered, those hired after the changes go into effect won't get priority for other civil service jobs.
The notice said the OSGG was consulted and supports the change provided those currently working at Rideau Hall keep their priority status.
OK Canadians....if you really "support the troops", now's the time for YOU to do YOUR part and submit your comments FAVOURING THIS INITIATIVE!!!
We have multi-page threads on some stuff that's, IMO, pretty irrelevent to Canadian interests (minarets in Switzerland?). Canadian men and women are risking their lives, limbs, mental health, etc in Afghanistan (and elsewhere) and a repatriation ceremony or "highway of heroes" parade DOES NOT HELP THE SURVIVORS!
If you claim to support the troops....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!
If you feel the war is a just cause....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!
If you think we're complicit in torture....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!!
If you like to debate minituae ad naseum....SUPPORT THIS MEASURE!!
Everbody.....do what YOU can to get behind this to MAKE IT HAPPEN!!
