Out of ammo

Gagetown, New Brunswick

Canada’s military leaders say the country’s army no longer has the means to mount an effective war. “We are a military force that is going down the toilet quickly,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Vance. Budget cuts over the 1990s left many troops without basic equipment, and they have to trade off using a small number of flak jackets and ammunition vests during live-fire exercises. The helicopters date from the 1960s and frequently break down. Without a defense budget increase of $500 million, several top officers said, Canada won’t be able to help much if war comes in Iraq. “If we don’t get more money in the next federal budget,” said Brig. Gen. Andrew Leslie, “I’d say we’re screwed.”

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