How Much Should Canada Spend on The Military

Currently Canada spends 1.1% of GDP on the military or $9,801.7 million as of 2003. Most countries spend between 1%-2.5% GDP I have heard calls for 3% and even higher. How much do you think should be spent on the CAF?

I think 2.5% I definatly think that we have spent not enough the last decade

Its time we stop relying on the americans for "protection". We need to spend more so special forces like D.A.R.T can move quickly, and not be standing out in the cold waiting for the "bus" :wink:

I say 2.5%, but there's a caveat there. We also need to spend 0.7% on foreign aid. The two are all too often treated as competing interests, but they actually compliment each other.

I would agree with 2.5% but worry that such a huge increase over the current spending would force the gov't to increase taxes (political suicide), run a deficit (unsustainable) or slash expenditures to other programmes, many of which are already desperately underfunded.

A boost of defence spending to maybe 1.5-2% of GDP would already represent a massive increase, but if phased in over time could be accomplished without too much trouble. My vote is for 2%. Once we got to 2% we could take it from there...

I'd reccommend something like 2.5 for 8 years, then cut back to 2 or 1.75 thereafter. I like the extra going to foriegn aid as Rev suggested. As an alternative, maybe determine a reasonable (by collective NATO definitions) level of force to protect both coasts (air and sea), maintain a limited presence in the North, and field 1 regular Div and have the equipment to flesh out a second division within the Reserve world. Provide enough air to cover them and support them. Beef up the navy so it can transport a Brigade Group in one lift and have the warships neccessary to adequately protect them. Factor in the costs to replace systems in a timely fashion to avoid the dreaded "rust-out". Money to keep these units properly trained. You get the idea. If it works out to be cheaper than say the 2.0% or 1.75% then drop it to the appropriate level.

IMHO the govt should just pick a reasonable level, then fund it properly so the troops get the best equipment available, nothing less.

I concur with Rick Mercer[url=javascript:popWindow('rick_rant_for_week_of_february_21_2005');]Rick's Rant[/url]

The government...our elected officials...should have less business picking military equipment than I do. They should give the military a mandate and a budget. Just like they do with other departments.

Do you think DIAND has politicians deciding what kind of cars to buy or lease for the regions? Nope. There are some guidelines (no buying Cadillacs), but it isn't a political decision. The same needs to happen with military equipment. Why are we buying fleets of helicopters all once? Nobody does that.

Yep, I agree. It's OK to say no Cadillacs (i.e. G-wagen) when a good solid Chevy (i.e. HUMMV) will do. But when the politicians end up picking over priced Yugos or Trabbies, then it ends up worse than nothing!

P.S. The equipment examples were only selected to provide a cost comparison.

[quote="kerfuffledwoops I mean check out Rick Mercers rant for week of Feb.21/2005 regarding funding for CAF[/quote]

Ummm, that would be the post at the start of the "Rick's Rant on the Military" thread.

It's also important to remember that a Humvee is as useless as tits on a boar if you need a 2wd pick-up truck and a couple of spades. That's the problem with the politicization of these things...I'm pretty sure the people that are there know what they need. There is nothing glorious about a pick-up truck though (sorry to disillusion all you urban cowboys), and there is (so I'm told...my dinky is apparently larger than other peoples') about a hummer. When you make it political at the the highest levels, that carries all the way down to bottom which encourages military people to make political decisions instead of practical ones.

BTW, The military currently purchased vehicle in just that manner. The SMP (Standard Military Pattern) vehicles (field force, combat type) are not employed on routine day to day tasks. It's costs too much and prematurely wears them out. The Army just bought a load of militarized Silverados (Milverados) for the administrative stuff. Cheaper to run and replace when worn. Easier to fix too, just send them out to your nearest dealer. lol

I say Canada should have a bigger army, the Canadian army was very popular and respected in WWs and Korea War, so a little much to make it bigger would be nice!

Too much. The military doesn't have the people power to justify that amount. It would replace equipment in a hurry but that's about it.