Filling Rick Hillier’s combat boots will be a daunting and difficult task, given the many significant accomplishments during his three-year tenure as Chief of the Defence Staff. These accomplishments have been achieved under very challenging circumstances and it is only through his tenacious and fearless leadership that so much has been done in such a short period of time. These achievements will change the Canadian Forces and the CDS’ position and expectations for years to come.
General Hillier’s transformation of the CF from a cold war force, focused to a large extent on peacekeeping, to one based on the realities of the real threats to our national security, was perhaps his biggest challenge and greatest accomplishment. This transformation focused on the creation of the new command-and-control structure and an operational culture within the military – a much-needed re-orientation and re-establishment of the real purpose of this nation’s military. It is unlikely that Canada’s military would be able to sustain and support the war in Afghanistan and the many other operations, without these fundamental but critical changes.
Hillier inherited a military long-neglected by a succession of Liberal governments, and devoid of the essential weapons and equipment to fight and win Canada’s wars. Hillier turned the entire re-equipping of the CF around in an unbelievably short period of time with the procurement of much needed equipment for the men and women of the CF to do their jobs effectively. The recent procurement of the C-17 Globemaster and the government’s commitment to procure large helicopters are perhaps the most visible examples of Hillier’s tenacity and insistence on re-equipping the troops to carry out the dangerous and demanding tasks assigned by the Canadian government.
This precedent-setting funding and the ability to turn around equipment buys will ensure Canada can participate effectively with NATO, NORAD and the UN, and support domestic operations here in Canada.
General Hillier will be remembered as the CDS who solidified the national values of Canada’s military as one of its most precious and important institutions in which Canadian men and women from all provinces and territories take pride in representing this nation in international and national operations. His personal no-nonsense approach has won him the admiration of millions of Canadians. He has re-kindled a genuine interest in Canada’s military as a national institution, and in turn has generated overwhelming support from the society that it serves. He has given the Canadian government and Canadians a military that is capable of fighting and winning Canada’s wars and defending the nation’s interests.
But above all, the CDS will be remembered for his genuine and personal attention to looking after the troops under his command, and their families. This is especially true of those casualties suffered in Afghanistan. He stripped away the bureaucracy and red tape within the military, and developed close and much needed working relationships with Veteran’s Affairs to ensure the troops were cared for. He set up scholarships and trust funds for the families of soldiers killed and wounded on duty. He stood up for better pay and benefits for the soldiers, sailors and airmen and women. And he has ensured they are treated with dignity and respect. He shared in the dangers and discomforts of the war in Afghanistan on numerous occasions.
In short, he was a leader and commander who won the full confidence and trust that he was looking after their interests and those of their families. This will be expected of any future CDS.
Canada and its military have been very well served by Rick Hiller, an outstanding CDS who has irreversibly changed the manner in which Canada’s military is viewed. Within the CF, some soldiers will miss his wry sense of Newfoundland wit and humour, others his drive and determination to see through on promises made, others his operational focus and quick analytical mind, his uncanny ability to converse freely with all ranks of the military and their families, and his dedication and commitment to make soldiering an honorable and attractive profession for all Canadians.
He will be missed as a national leader with the will and determination to not accept second-rate support from the government. He has put the spotlight on Canada’s men and women in uniform in a manner not seen since the Korean War. His predecessor and those that follow will have big boots to fill.
Ray Crabbe is a former Deputy Chief of Defence Staff, a member of the board of directors of Southport Aerospace Corp., and past president of the Board of the Royal Military Institute of Manitoba.