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| Great White North |
| Truck fleet concerns military officials |
| 2004-01-26 |
| The Canadian army truck fleet could experience "catastrophic" failure at any time due to poor brakes and steering systems and must be replaced within four years or safety will be compromised, defence department officials say. The trucks, known in military jargon as Medium Logistic Vehicle Wheeled (MLVW) are the backbone of army transportation. But the 22-year-old vehicles, commonly seen on highways near military bases, are becoming more difficult and costly to maintain, according to defence documents obtained by the Ottawa Citizen. Serious safety issues include the potential for failing brakes and steering columns. "We are at a critical stage in the life of the MLVW where unpredicted catastrophic failures could occur without warning," one document notes. Catastrophic failure is used to signify accidents that could involve serious injuries or death. Col. Bob Gunn, who helps determine army equipment needs, acknowledged the problems with the trucks. He said the military is working on getting replacements by 2010. The trucks were sidelined four years ago because of rusted wheel rims. "We replaced them all, so that’s good for now," said Gunn. "We were extremely fortunate." Heck, they only have 11,900 guys in their army. They could hire U-Hauls and taxis. In my blog a while back, after noting a string of similar stories, I asked: Is Canada a real country? |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #6 Well, now we know the real reason they did not want to send anyone to Iraq. They would have been laughed at :). Someone should tell them that Syria has a big sale a couple of days ago..... |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2004-1-26 10:35:35 PM |
| #5 If it was really "all about the oil", we would have annexed Alberta, BC, and the Northwest Territories in the 70s. Come to think of it, they hate the quebecois about as much as we do. Maybe we should just ask them if they want to be 51-53. It's pretty pathetic when you can't afford some brake drums, master cylinders, and the odd steering joint. Guess it's the groundwork for putting their hand out to Uncle Sam to spring for a new truck fleet. |
| Posted by: 4thInfVet 2004-1-26 8:45:52 PM |
| #4 Lemme just comment on the health care is free part. It AINT FREE! You pay taxes to get that government promoted healthcare, a helluva lot in taxes (what is it now close to 40% in income taxes?). Everyone pays for it whether they need that health care or not. As for the rest of Canada...remind me again why Alberta hasn't seceded yet? :) |
| Posted by: Val 2004-1-26 2:57:30 PM |
| #3 Health care is free, but is it good health care? |
| Posted by: Charles 2004-1-26 2:45:33 PM |
| #2 Canada is a collection of badly run medicare providers, and as long as it's free, nobody complains. We send 2000 troops to Afghanistan where they run around in 30 year old Volkswagon dune buggies and 40 year old helicopters. Pathetic. But the health care is free. |
| Posted by: john 2004-1-26 2:31:34 PM |
| #1 For a country that accuses the US of being an empire, they sure act a helluva lot like a colony. Maybe we ought to hit them up for some tribute? |
| Posted by: BH 2004-1-26 2:23:04 PM |