Air Force Careers and Benefits in Military Aviation of Canada - Essay Example

Air Force Careers and Benefits in Military Aviation of Canada Canada’s Air force actually supports a wide variety of operations both in the domesticand the international sector. The air force is also competent enough to support the land and naval defense policies of the country. (“Air Force Association of Canada”, 2008) Like any other air force the main objective of this military force is protecting the Canadian sovereignty especially in the airspace. As mentioned in the 1994 white paper the primary role of the Air Reserve is to enhance, maintain and also support the other deployed forces. It is the basis of the national mobilization and it acts like a military link to the community. One of the other responsibilities of this military unit is assisting the other government departments in times of some emergency or any disaster. (“Air Force Association of Canada”, 2008) This military unit also cooperates with the defense unit of United States to form a formidable collective defensive force under NORAD. (“Air Force Association of Canada”, 2008) The air force also supports the Canadian interests in the foreign lands outside North America. This includes providing support to the organizations like UN, NATO and also other contingency operations where air force involvement is necessary. (“Air Force Association of Canada”, 2008)The military organization also provides assistance on humanitarian gronds to the other countries. Now the basic research question that remains is whether the military aviation of Canada and America should operate together or not. In the national level the military organization (Air Force) assists other government bodies in enforcing the Canadian law and regulation and also provides a national level air search and most importantly plays a big part in the rescue operations. (“Air Force Association of Canada”, 2008) Being one of the major military unit in North America as it is, the air force of Canada influences the domestic and international operations of the government in a huge way. For that reason when an individual gets into the system he or she has to undergo rigorous training schedule. The primary training is the trade and technical training where the individual is informed about the technical complexities of the operations and gradually they get well acquainted with the technical details. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). Then in the next phase of the training schedule focus is given on the development of the leadership skills of the individual candidates. This leadership skill is also very important as the individuals are expected to have prompt decision making skills once they start their professional career with the Air Force. The candidates are also made to realize that joining this organization is quite different from any other as in here they get a chance to serve the country. As a result a higher level of motivation and responsibility is injected within the candidates. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). There are also certain numbers of benefits that the candidates can enjoy while they are working with Air force Canada. Firstly the pay package provided is quite attractive, which is generally the case of any North American military force. The trainees or the reservists are paid on the part time basis as they are paid on the number of days they work. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). The officers’ payment structure is slightly better and from there is a chance to get promoted into the next level which is the Lieutenant. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). It takes three years of full operation to get promoted to the post of a Captain where the basic salary structure is $ 129. 70 each day. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). The other benefits include the annual leaves and vacation on pay. The Canadian Forces are also now offering the members of the primary reserves a partial reimbursement of the education fess or the tuition cost for some selected courses. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). This reimbursement facility increases with the post of the candidate. As the candidates have to travel extensively they also have “transportation assistance allowance”. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). The military organization also provides accommodation and meals along with several medical care benefits. That means the Air Force authority takes almost full responsibility of the candidates they are recruiting. Other than all these the Air Force authority as any regular government body of Canada provides benefits on both maternal and parental grounds. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). There is also Reserve Force Retirement Gratuity (RFRG) which is a severance benefit paid in order to recognize the long term oriented Primary Reserve services. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). It is a form of a guarantee. Insurance payments like home insurance, death coverage, accident coverage (long term disability) are also included in the overall benefit package. The organization also looks after the funeral expense for the members of the Reserve Force who dies in service or a result of injury or disease during the service tenure. (“Join Air Reserves”, 2008). Quite similar to the Canadian Air forces the United States Air force also conducts the similar activities. (Green, 1998, p.5). The basic Air Force jobs available in United States are Pilots, Intelligence officers, Engine Mechanics etc. (Green, 1998, p.17). They are all part of the overall military system of the United States of America. Here all the pilots hold position of officers. They are given specific technical and divisional trainings. They only concentrate on their specialized field and domain. The Intelligence Officers on the other hand focuses mainly on gathering information on the information gathering part. (Green, 1998, p.19). For that reason their development programs are more information based instead of technical details. Thus as we can see that the main difference in the recruitment of two air forces are that one is more functional (US air force) while the other is divisional in nature (Canada). Though the United States air force with well equipped airmen looked promising, but in reality their air power was still very frail in the yearly days of operation. (Higham, 2003, p.24). The country was still seeking a major boost so that they can excel both in technological and efficiency front. The structure of United States Air Force is mainly divided into two parts. One the “Definer” and secondly the “The Conceivers”. (Kent, Ochmanek, 2003, p.1). The association between Canada and United States of America is always a key component of Canada’s external relations. Prior to the Second World War, the relationship was much less structured than compared to the current scenario. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77). At that time Canada was a much smaller player among the global military forces, both in terms of financial and political aspects. But its is in the middle part of the previous century the relationship had become much more cordial and this have affected the general life style of the mass in Canada. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77). The coordination between the two nations is not only restricted to the matters of defense and military related activities but also certain economical related policies are also being adapted like free trade, investments, energy supply etc. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77). Also the automobiles as well as the food and beverage industry of Canada are also greatly influenced by America. There is a constant influence of USA culture and minds in the history of Canadian society. (Young, 2004, p.42). This actually proves the level of influence that USA have over Canada. But mostly according to many analysts the relationship is mostly explained as bilateral in nature. (“USA INternational Business Publication”, 2007, p.24). Historically even there is very little evidences of conflicts observable between the two countries and for that reason the relationship between USA and Canada can be considered to be quite substantial and sometimes acts as an example to the rest of the world. (Thompson, Randall, 2002, p.1). The actual joint arrangements between the two nations occurred in the month of August of the year 1940. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77). This happened when President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Mackenzie King met at New York, to agree on the formation of Permanent Joint Board of Defense. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78; Regehr, 1987, p.34) This agreement got renewed in the year 1947 and this defense agreement is carried till date. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77) The agreements made under the permanent joint board even include regular interchanging of some selected candidates so that their familiarity between the two defenses increases. The two military establishments also believe in mutual and reciprocal availability of military, naval and air faculties. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) Each of the two countries will provide free transit across its border for the other. Over and above, for each and every such cooperative arrangement none of the two countries will be given a formal control of the proceedings. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) That means that both the countries will work side by side in every aspect. It should be remembered that there is no treaty, executive agreement that has been considered during the formation of Permanent Joint Board of Defense in the year 1940. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) That means that either of the two countries can discontinue the operations at any time they choose. This issue can be regarded as the corner stone of the foreign policy of the two nations. The most important element which till now has made the Board a success is that both the countries are under the obligation of maintaining international peace and security. (Blanchette, 2000, p.77) Both of the governments (USA and Canada) believe that the decision helps them to contribute in the overall world stability. For this purpose each of the government has sent individual statements to the United Nations, disclosing their intensions. The principles announced for this Board signifies continuous understanding and collaboration. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) It was the duty of the two governments to ensure the close security relation between the two military bodies. Now this Permanent Joint Board of Defense led its way to the discussion about the formation of the integrated air defense forces. This discussion ultimately resulted in the formation of the united air force in the year 1957 when the Cold War was at its pick. (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) The united organization is called the North American Air Defense Command Agreement (NORAD). (Blanchette, 2000, p.78) This was a special agreement which was documented after a while. This treaty between the two military forces was initiated due to the emergence of the nuclear weapons and the technological advancements in the fields of war throughout the globe. For that reason to counter the effect of possible threats from the foreign lands and in order to gain maximum efficiency the two air forces (USA and Canada) decided on form a joint force under certain consideration. The joining of the two forces necessarily meant that the single military unit will be larger in size and will have the power to act in a more efficient manner to handle sudden attacks on the North American states. (Blanchette, 2000, p.80) During peace also these extensive military air force will have greater scope and range which will enable it to act fast during certain rescue missions or disaster management. There were certain level of differences and problems related to each of the separate Air Forces, but the government decided to integrate the two bodies and delegate all these issues to a single headquarter of operation from where they can operate in a more fluent and smooth manner. (Blanchette, 2000, p.80) This integrated headquarter was designed to operate and take control of all the assigned forces which were established in all of the treaty areas in the North Atlantic. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) The Canada-united States region falls under that specified North Atlantic Treaty Area. All the separate and singular air defense forces were aimed to be united under the specified agreement. This move was indeed a great boost for the Permanent Joint Board of Defense formation, which the two countries decided in the year 1940. According to the two governments this kind of understanding will enhance the level of understanding between the two parties and both the governments will fully benefited both in terms of enhancing foreign relations and security. The agreement proposed few principles on the basis of which further operations were continued. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) Firstly according to the agreement the commander in Chief of North American Air Defense (NORAD) will report to the Chiefs of Staff Committee of Canada and joint Chiefs and Staff of United States. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) That means any operation cannot be undertaken without the conscious of any of the military organization. The military organizations or to be more specific the Air Force chiefs will then in turn seek permission from their respective governments. If they get a nod from the central ministry they will be allowed to continue the operations. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) The role of the government is to ensure that whether or not the specified operation is in line with the overall objectives and principle of the countries. The North American Air Defense Command will include many combat units who will be separately assigned to either of the two governments. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) That means whenever there is some separate needs for both the governments (USA & Canada) they can use these battalions for their individual requirements. This may not always be a joint operation and will not require authorization of the other party. Here also the Commander-in-Chief of the North American Air Defense Command will be responsible for the operation. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) The designated person for the post of Commander-in-Chief of the joint air force will have only the operational control once the order is approved. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) He or she will be delegated with the power of controlling, coordinating, directing the assigned force under his or her control. The stations of the battalions cannot be shifted without the permission of the higher government authorities of the two separate countries since that will fall under the scope of the respective government bodies. But still there are certain levels of command that the Commander in Chief of the North American Air Defense Command will enjoy. As the permission of crossing the border is stated in the agreement, the Commander in Chief will have the liberty to exercise his or her right while temporarily reinforcing from one area to the other which includes crossing of international border as well. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) It has to be remembered that these borders should be well within the range of the North American Treaty area, which is being clearly specified in the agreement. These reinforcements and short term decisions that the Commander Chief will make, should have some operational justifications, which he or she might have to answer in front of the higher command. (Blanchette, 2000, p.81) That means in other word the duty of the Command in Chief will be restricted to the operational control. As far as the basic command and administration of the North American Air Defense Command is concerned it will be under the responsibility of the national commanders. The other duties of the national commanders will include, maintenance of discipline of the joint force, monitoring the internal affairs of the organization (North American Air Defense Command), trading of the Air Force unit etc. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82). The matter of the appointment of the Commander in Chief of the North American Air Defense Command and his or her Deputy is discussed and decided by both the Canadian and United States Government. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82) It is a rule that both of the members are not from the same country (either United States or Canada) and the staffs of the North American Air Defense Command will be formed by the members of both the countries. None of the two countries are given any kind of priority while selecting the members and the Chief of the joint Command. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is regularly informed by the Canada-United States Regional Planning Group about the activities of the joint air force. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82) This is strategically done so that none of the forces under the treaty organization feels left out or unimportant when the North American Air Defense Command is in full operational mode. The plans and the procedure by which the North American Air Defense Command will operate during the time of war are decided well prior to the action. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82) That means it is during the peace time when the actual plan of defense is being sorted out. This reflects the readiness of the joint air force of the two nations. There is another motive of this prior planning program. According to many Government official a prior planning is done so that any of the participating nations is advance can implement strategies and also helps to keep both the nations safe in case of emergencies. In case of any operation involving civilian departments and any agencies for that matter, the Government of the respective countries takes decision on the degree of involvement prescribing the activities. Apart from national security and safety the other parameter which decides the fate of a military organization is the cost to run its operations. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82) In case of North American Air Defense Command, the cost factor for any operation is mutually settled by the respective government agencies of the two nations. (Blanchette, 2000, p.82) This cost factor is one of the crucial elements as both the countries are always careful while declaring the budget restricted for each separate operation. The issue becomes more sensitive as the organization (North American Air Defense Command) quite uniquely includes two separate countries. Initially in the year 1957, the agreement which was signed by both the parties states that this joint air command will be fully operational for ten consecutive years and its operation can be renewed if accepted by both the countries (United States and Canada). With the sophistication of the technology in the mid 1960s the complexity of the operation of the North American Air Defense Command increased. (Blair, 1985, p.112; Ruypers, 2005, p.282) Also the question of authority was raised between the two parties. With such highly technical details to be marinated the capability to launch a sudden attack by any of the given side was questionable. The authority of using a nuclear weapon was though with the government, but provision was there so that it can be transferred to the Commander in-Chief in time of danger. (Blair, 1985, p.112) Thus from the information gathered we can observe that though both the separate military organization had its own problems and weaknesses, in order to sustain its dominance in the North American Treaty region both the countries decided on the formation of a joint military command. Interestingly enough both the countries only decided to join their Air Force operations. It may be due to the reason that this form of military operations is more flexible in nature and can cover quite a bit of distance in a given time period. This joint air force will actually help in the rescue operations and tackling emergency issues in a more efficient manner. But both the countries have to keep in mind that unlike their regular government bodies this particular Command unit (North American Air Defense Command) is run by the central governments of both the participating nations. For that reason both the parties are liable to one another and should decide minutely before assigning any operations for their individual use. In case of war or any international threats also the two separate countries should come to a conclusion about the way and manner of operation of the Command. This Command can be regarded as a basis of the strategic moves deployed by the two nations. The joint venture of the two air forces looks very promising though the two countries should be extremely careful while using the battalion. The foreign policy and external affairs of both United States and Canada can be hampered if some wrong steps are taken at times. References 1. Air Force Association of Canada. (2008). Available at: < http://airforce.ca/> (accessed on November 11, 2009) 2. Blair BG. (1985). Strategic command and control: redefining the nuclear threat: Brookings Institution Press, USA 3. Blanchette AE. (2000) Canadian foreign policy, Dundurn Press Ltd, Canada 4. Green M. (1998). The United States Air Force, Capstone Press, USA 5. Higham RDS. (2003). 100 years of air power & aviation, Texas A&M University Press, USA 6. Kent GA, Ochmanek DA. (2003). A framework for modernization within the United States Air Force, Rand Corporation, USA 7. Young C. (2004). One Canada, Trafford Publishing, Canada 8. USA International Business Publication (2007) Canada Business and Investment Opportunities Yearbook. International Business Publication, USA. 9. Regehr, E. (1987). Arms Canada: the deadly business of military exports, James Lornier and Company, Halifax NS Canada 10. Ruypers, J. (2005). Canadian and World Politics, Emond Montgomery Publication, Ontario 11. Thompson JH, Randall SJ. (2002). Canada and the United States: ambivalent allies, University of Georgia Press, USA 12. “Join Air Reserves”. (2008). Canada’s Air Force. Available at: < http://www.airforce.forces.ca/ar-ra/page-eng.asp?id=763> (accessed on November 11, 2009) Read More