Canadian Troops out of Kandahar by 2011: Chief of Defence Staff

by albertacowpoke | November 10, 2009 at 03:12 pm

117 views | 34 Recommendations | 9 comments

Canada's Parliament voted that Canada's military mission in Afghanistan would end in 2011. Canada maintains a contingent of 2800 troops in Afghanistan, which consists of a battle group and a headquarters commanded by a Brigadier General.

There has been speculation that some Canadian Forces would remain, and what future role they might have.

General Walter Natynczyk announced last week that he had ordered his commanders to start planning a withdrawal from Afghanistan. This will require movement of equipment and troops from Kandahar Airfield to bases back in Canada.

Natynczyk has ended all speculation by announcing that he would withdraw all Canadian Forces from Afghanistan in 2011.

"The parliamentary motion directs that it will be the end of the military mission in July of 2011. I mean those are the words that are there," he said."And for me it's pretty clear. What we do for the Canadian Forces are military missions."

Amid speculation over a future role for Canadian forces in Kandahar, Canada's top commander says he will withdraw all of the country's soldiers from the region by 2011.

"The parliamentary motion directs that it will be the end of the military mission in July of 2011. I mean those are the words that are there," Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk told CBC News in an exclusive interview."And for me it's pretty clear. What we do for the Canadian Forces are military missions."

CBC News had previously reported that Natynczyk ordered his commanders to start preparing military plans to pull out of Afghanistan and return thousands of soldiers and billions of dollars' worth of equipment to Canada.

The government has insisted Canada's military mission will end in 2011. But its ministers and staff — including Defence Minister Peter MacKay — have suggested Canadian soldiers could remain in Afghanistan beyond that deadline, though perhaps not in combat.

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smkovalinsky

at 15:37 on November 10th, 2009

Canada has some sanity.

YankeeJim

at 17:45 on November 10th, 2009

Maybe this is the timetable Obama is looking for.

albertacowpoke

at 17:55 on November 10th, 2009

In this case, I'm glad Canada is demonstrating its independence and is not giving in to US pressure, if there is any. Walt Natynczyk's attitude on this is commendable too. He could not have made it any clearer.

The question will, no doubt, be raised what those troops died for. There are also in the neighbourhood of 370 wounded, whose life has changed forever. That is not counting the ones that suffer from PTSD.

rng

at 20:24 on November 10th, 2009

Australia is looking for an exit date too. Oh and I heard the reason for the delay on the Obama decision. The analysis was missing a province by province strategy and from what I can piece together that is the new road map - they are cherry picking some provinces to build models in to attract the Pashtuns that will change. Show them how it could be in key provinces and sacrifice the rest so as to make the headcount manageable. I like it as strategy, but the province review has sent McChrystal back to do more work hence the delay. A few key provinces (and it was never a centrally administered state anyway - great article here by a Pakistani Major on the realities). This may have a reasonable outcome after all. You won't read this in the MSM!

albertacowpoke

at 20:37 on November 10th, 2009

rng thanks for this. You're right you will never read a lot of stuff in the MSM. I can see why PM Rudd would be looking for an exit strategy too. Australia has even less troops than Canada and ours are run down. The equipment is taking a beating too.

Canada, Britain, Australia, Romania and the Netherlands have taken the brunt in both Hellmand and Kandahar Provinces. It has taken its toll.

rng

at 21:04 on November 10th, 2009

You're welcome and we need to thank these boys for their service..above and beyond. It was too much to ask of too few. I am sure you will get this..there was a certain Lt Colonel Australian who helped Petraeus with the surge strategy..he is at work here in Afpak now too though his name in not in the headlines. He is a great strategist and I think he can pull their butts out of the fire again and make Petraeus (and I am NO fan of his) look good again

albertacowpoke

at 21:12 on November 10th, 2009

If you get the opportunity rng you might read the book published by the former CDS, General Rick Hillier A Soldier First. About half of that book is dedicated to strategy in Afghanistan. Hillier was a former ISAF Commander (Cdn). He brings to light many of the political, military consideration that must go into a strategy for Afghanistan.

Canada has started this mission with the assumption that it would be a 3D approach (Defence, Development, Diplomacy). Defence being the provision of Security, Diplomacy - teaching Afghans how to govern in a Democracy, Development - Reconstruction of the country. In theory it sounds good, but early on we lost a diplomat and both foreign affairs and CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) for safety reasons decided to stay in camp. Therefore the onus was put on the military to try to do it all. Although the military is very capable, other than security, the remainder is better left to professionals that are suited for it.

Barbara McPherson

at 06:28 on November 11th, 2009

Canadians, both men and women have been in Afghanistan for many years now. From what I understand, when Canada made the commitment to enter this war, it was to help bring peace and reconstruction. Afghanistan has never allowed foreigners to impose rule on them. I agree with ACB that diplomats are the best hope to bring stability and some measure of justice to the people of Afghanistan. On this day of Remembrance, it's time to thank all the Canadians in the military and their families for the crucial work that they do around the world and at home.

albertacowpoke

at 06:42 on November 11th, 2009

Barbara I very much appreciate your comments. On this Remembrance Day we particulary those men and women who are away from home in Kandahar and other UN missions around the world.

I also remember the 132 young lives lost, particularly Captain Nicola Goddard, whom I knew personally. The 300 plus injured with their lives changed forever and those that are suffering from PTSD.

We should remember whether or not we agree with the war in Afghanistan, our Government send them there on our behalf.

My hearts also go out to U.S. troops, especially those in Fort Hood.

Lest we forget.