Canadian, U.S. militaries struggle to recruit, retain personnel
The Canadian and U.S. militaries are facing similar challenges in recruiting and retaining personnel, Lt. Col. Jennifer Stadnyk, public affairs attaché at the Embassy of Canada, told a meeting of National Press Club American Legion Post 20 on Nov. 13.
She outlined steps her country is taking to address the problem, including letting potential recruits spend time with the military before making a long-time commitment, easing aptitude tests to broaden career options, and making it easier for non-citizens to serve.
Stadnyk, who has served 32 years in the Canadian Armed Forces in both enlisted and officer ranks, said the Canadian military is about 20,000 short of its 90,000 personnel goal. The U.S. has been falling short of the Pentagon's recruitment goals in recent years, as have most counties in Western Europe.
Stadnyk recounted the close U.S.-Canadian military relationship in conflicts from to World War I through the war in Afghanistan. She said the only joint unit in World War II was the U.S.-Canadian commando unit known as the Devil's Brigade and that the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been under joint U.S.-Canadian command for 66 years.
She said 14 Canadian soldiers are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Her embassy is hosting an exhibit on the Allied partnership on D-Day to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings. The free exhibition is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.
As host to the largest Ukrainian diaspora of any country, Stadnyk said Canada is a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war with Russia. It is increasing its military budget, planning to buy new submarines, uniting with the U.S. and Finland in an icebreaker construction program and has joined the U.S. Navy in cruising through the Straits of Taiwan to assert free passage and deter Chinese aggression.
The speaker portions of Post 20 meetings are open to all National Press Club members.