Canada names new Chief of Defence Staff

Back in December we told you about the candidates to replace Gen. Rick Hillier as Canada's CDS. In April we strongly hinted that Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS) could be the man for the job. Well today it was confirmed by the Government.

Here is the official biography.

"A native of Winnipeg, LGen Natynczyk joined the Canadian Forces in August 1975. He attended Royal Roads Military College and Collège Militaire Royal in St Jean, graduating in 1979 with a degree in Business Administration degree. His formative years were spent on NATO duty in Germany with The Royal Canadian Dragoons in troop command and staff appointments.

In 1983, LGen Natynczyk assumed duties as a Squadron Commander at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario. In 1986, he commenced a five-year regimental tour in Petawawa, serving in several staff and squadron command appointments; this tour included six months of UN peacekeeping duties in Cyprus. On completion of Canadian Forces Command and Staff College, he served on the Army Staff in St Hubert Quebec.

In May 1994, LGen Natynczyk embarked upon a year-long tour with the United Nations in the Former Yugoslavia as Sector South-West Chief of Operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina within HQ 7 (UK) Armoured Brigade, then as the Chief of Land Operations, UNPROFOR HQ in Zagreb, Croatia. In June 1995 LGen Natynczyk was assigned to the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff within National Defence HQ in Ottawa. He then commanded his regiment for two years, leading the Dragoons during domestic operations in the Ottawa region during the 1998 Ice Storm. LGen Natynczyk returned to Bosnia in 1998 as the Canadian Contingent Commander. On his return to Ottawa in March 1999 he was appointed J3 Plans and Operations during the period of deployments to Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor and Eritrea.

LGen Natynczyk attended the U.S. Army War College and was subsequently appointed Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood. In January 2004, he deployed with III Corps to Baghdad, Iraq, serving first as the Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans and subsequently as the Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Corps (Iraq). Upon his return to Canada he assumed command of the Land Force Doctrine and Training System. He was subsequently appointed Chief Transformation where he was responsible for implementation of the force restructuring and the enabling processes and policies.

LGen Natynczyk assumed the responsibilities of the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff on 28 June 2006."

The Minister of National Defence has already called Natynczyk a "Gentleman General" which probably means he's hoping for someone with less visibility than Hillier. That may be true but most feel this is a strong appointment.

Source: D,S & T and DND Photo: DND

Hillier resignation update

Update: General Hillier's statement to the Canadian Forces.

CBC Radio has just announced the resignation of Canadian Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier.

Hillier assumed his position in February, 2005. He has not always popular with his political overlords. However, General Hillier may have been the most respected CDS in a generation. As recently as last week he had given no direct indication as to his plans although he firmly rejected a future in politics.

Back in December we wrote:

"Sitting in the background are two officers who could replace the "Big Cod". On one hand there is Air Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Angus Watt. On the other the Army's Lt.-General Andrew Leslie. Both are sharp although Leslie was "born" for the job and has had more media experience."

Now added to this list is Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS). Natynczyk has extensive and varied experience to bring to the job.

One little known fact is his very interesting military exchange experience. On exchange you are subject to the regs of the nation you are serving with, after all you are there to learn. After time at the U.S. War College Natynczyk became Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood. Soon American foreign policy was focusing on Sadam. This meant that in early 2004, he deployed with III Corps to Baghdad, Iraq. There he served as the Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans and later as the Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Corps (Iraq). Obviously Natynczyk has international respect as a soldier.

Hillier's resignation is to be effective July 1st, Canada Day.

Sources: As cited or linked.
Photo: DND

Good news for the Canadian Forces

Rumours have been flying around since at least the Fall. Is the Chief of Defence Staff going to resign? Is General Rick Hillier just too popular, too honest, too straightforward for the Tory government?

Certainly no CDS is recent memory has been asked to do so much. As The General, Rick Hillier must successfully lead Canadian Forces in their first war effort since Korea. Politicos want someone to put a good face forward to voters. Soldiers want someone who genuinely cares. So far Hillier has succeeded beyond expectation on all counts. If anything this has made the politicians nervous. He will tell people the truth as he sees it.

Sitting in the background are two officers who could replace the "Big Cod". On one hand there is Air Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Angus Watt. On the other the Army's Lt.-General Andrew Leslie. Both are sharp although Leslie was "born" for the job and has had more media experience.

When the time comes you can be sure neither of these men would want to be seen as gaining their position because General Hillier resigned before he was ready. Those boots are already going to be pretty hard to fill.

Based on a recent interview with the National Post, Hillier would appear to be around for a while. For many this was a Christmas wish.

Sources: As cited.
Further reading: David Pugliese
Photo: D.N.D