Military planners map out restructuring the Canadian Army, says top soldier

The Canadian Army is gearing up for a major restructuring to address the growing demands for troops and equipment, both at home and overseas. Lt.-Gen. Mike Wright, the country’s top soldier, revealed that a military modernization team is currently examining the issue, with a potential shortage of up to 5,000 soldiers.

Wright emphasized that the current army structure is not sufficient for future needs, especially in light of the challenges faced by troops deployed on NATO’s deterrence mission in Eastern Europe. The looming threat of annexation by U.S. President Donald Trump has added to the urgency of the situation, prompting concerns about the country’s military readiness.

Despite the political tensions, ties with the American military remain strong, according to Wright. However, the army is struggling to equip its forces in Latvia, with delays in delivering essential equipment such as anti-tank weapons, air-defense systems, and counter-drone technology. This shortage poses a significant gap in the soldiers’ ability to defend Latvia against potential Russian aggression.

The Canadian Army is currently undergoing a modernization process that involves consulting with allies to revamp its structure and capabilities. The aim is to enhance lethality and provide effective support to NATO and other missions. The government’s defense policy promises to acquire new weapons systems, including surface-to-surface ballistic missiles and rocket-based artillery, to address emerging threats like explosive-laden drones.

Wright stressed the importance of focusing on warfighting capabilities and ensuring that the army is well-equipped to meet NATO’s requirements. The reorganization efforts will involve a thorough review of the army’s structure from top to bottom, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

The army’s involvement in domestic operations, such as responding to wildfires and other disasters, has strained its resources and personnel. Deployments to Latvia and domestic emergencies have stretched the army thin, highlighting the need for a more agile and well-equipped force.

Despite the challenges, Canadian troops in Latvia are making do with limited resources. However, there are still gaps in equipment, with delays in delivering critical items like anti-tank weapons and air-defense systems. The shortage of spare parts for the Leopard 2A4 tanks attached to the brigade in Latvia is also a pressing issue that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, the Canadian Army is undergoing a significant transformation to meet the evolving demands of modern warfare. The restructuring efforts aim to enhance the army’s capabilities and ensure that it is well-prepared to face current and future threats. By investing in new weapons systems and streamlining logistical processes, the army is positioning itself for success in an increasingly complex and challenging security environment.