INTERVIEW: by Chris MacLean
Lieutenant-General Rick Hillier – Army Transformation & Regeneration
LGen Rick Hillier, Chief of the Land Staff, served in Afghanistan as Commander of the multinational International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2004. Combining previous experience in volatile countries, he is well positioned to transfer the lessons learned fighting rebel forces to the new Army transformation and regeneration process. In a new development, he has been appointed as the new Chief of the Defence Staff, and is expected to be promoted to the rank of General…

HOMELAND SECURITY: by Ron Covais
Furthering U.S. – Canada Relations
U.S. priorities now place security above all other concerns, including trade. Security has become the current center of gravity in the bilateral relationship with Canada. This has caused stresses in the areas of defence and trade, requiring a reconsideration of how best to manage the future of U.S.-Canada relations. Leaders on both sides of the border, at all levels and across multiple disciplines, have historical precedent and encouragement to find solutions…

ANTI-TERRORISM: by Capt(N) Peter Avis
Tulips and Terrorism
As the Canadian Government embarks on the review of the Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act, Canadians must reflect on the important balancing act between civil rights and national security that is before us. Events that have occurred in the Netherlands, which is often referred to as Europe’s most liberal, tolerant, and multicultural society, may be helpful in our deliberations…

NEOps & SECURITY: by BGen (ret) James Cox
“Cultural Impediments” and Passive Indecision
US officials clearly feel that Canada is not doing enough, fast enough. The overall Canadian effort appears to be built on passive anti-terror activity. Indications are that the Canadian government is not as aggressively active as it could be in the global war on terror. This lack of aggression allows passivity in programs intended to support the global war on terror, strengthen Canadian security, or promote cooperation for Network Centric Operations (NEOps)…M&S – SERIES OVERVIEW: by Dennis (Doc) Hopper
Trends and Applications
In our special “Simulation Series,” FrontLine offers a wide selection of articles covering Modelling and Simulation (M&S) in the Canadian Defence and Security environments. A number of trends have become apparent, such as the tremendous increase in capabilities, the affordability of these new technologies and the innovation and adaptability for application in these sectors…

M&S – ROBOTICS ENVIRONMENT: by MGen (ret) John Leech
Uninhabited Vehicle Systems
Military uses of Unmanned (uninhabited) Vehicle Systems (UVS) have increased dramatically in the last few years. Can one imagine a better place than the land battlefield to find dull, dangerous, or dirty work that can be handled by robots? It’s no wonder that we are seeing increasing numbers of initiatives to capitalize on the virtues of UVS in the land battle. The future is unmanned…

M&S – SYNTHETIC ENVIRONMENT: by Brigadier-General Mike J. Ward
Army Strategy
Recognizing the continued scarcity of investment resources The Army Strategy – Advancing with Purpose (2002) paper presents an implementation concept that will focus on areas where quantum improvements can be achieved, and suggests that quality will usually be preferred over quantity in order to produce consistency and mission success.
The creation of Synthetic Environments, through the clever application of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) technology, is a perfect area for investment…

M&S – OPERATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: by Major Tony Balasevicius
The Future Operational Environment
The Canadian Army believes that simulation technology will help it transform itself from the “Army of Today” into the “Army of Tomorrow.” In addition to enhancing Army training, simulation technology will provide an important stepping-stone for the development of the Army of the Future. The foundation of this capability will be based on the Army’s new Weapon Effects Simulation (WES) system…

M&S – R&D ENVIRONMENT: by Dr. Duane Cronin
Reducing Landmine Devastation
Over the past decade, a renewed interest in protecting people from landmines is leading to improvements in Personal Protective Equipment with a defined focus on protecting lower extremities using advanced protective footwear. A collaborative initiative has been underway to develop advanced protective footwear for AP blast mine threats…

M&S – TRAINING ENVIRONMENT: by Stan Jacobson & Darrell Tatro
The Modern Maintainer…Force Multiplier or Achilles Heel?
Modern, technically sophisticated military systems require a fundamental change in the way that maintenance technicians are trained and supported. Training strategies must now accommodate initial, regenerative, just-in-time, and regular refresher training. Support strategies must provide maintainers with the ability to quickly and accurately access information needed to perform a task while doing it…