Who 's in charge? Who do we salute?

On March 7 the big guns of the military met with External Affairs officials in Gatineau, Quebec. What subjects were discussed? After the outspoken General Hillier said that Canada would be spending another ten years in Afghanistan, there can be little doubt that the Minister of External Affairs, under the direction of the Prime Minister, would clearly indicate that all matters concerning Canada’s involvement in foreign affairs would be determined within External Affairs and that nobody within the Department of National Defence should ever voice future government policies and above all else to structure the governments position on military affairs before the public. The role of DND should be determined by elected politicians who represent the people of Canada. Senior officials within DND are there to advise the government on military affairs and once given the go-ahead should act with their military expertise.

Is there an expression about the “tail should never wag the dog”; is this not what we are now seeing?

General Hillier is probably the best person to fill his present position as Chief of the General Staff. His training and experience have been top-notch and his time spent with the American military has provided him with an excellent understanding of the American position and how to interpret the role that might be expected of the Canadian military working in conjunction with the American forces.

Is it possible that the American “dog” is causing a Canadian tail to wag? How much influence should the Americans have over Canadian affairs?