Canada’s national defence has suffered from political neglect in recent decades that prompted widespread embarrassment at home and indifference elsewhere in the world.

Fortunately, those days are over. The federal government is beefing up the Department of National Defence in an orderly and affordable fashion to cope with international crises on land, on the sea and in the air. We are building an army, navy and air force we can be proud of in a world where unpredictable situations can present themselves overnight.

We will be expanding the Canadian Forces under the government’s Canada First defence strategy over the next 20 years. The armed forces will expand from its current 62,000 to 70,000 regulars and from 25,000 to 30,000 reserves over the course of the plan. This expanded force of 100,000 men and women will increase our capabilities and our flexibilities at home and abroad.

Our recruitment numbers reflect the interest that Canadians have in choosing a career in the forces. We will also equip them better than ever before. In addition to the capital equipment projects this government has previously announced, we will be making more sound investments. Over the next several years, we will purchase:

• 15 new surface combat ships to replace our aging fleet of destroyers and frigates
• 10 to 12 new maritime patrol aircraft to replace our Aurora fleet
• 17 new fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft
• 65 next-generation fighter aircraft to replace our CF-18s
• 7 C-130J tactical lift aircraft to replace our aging Hercules fleet
• 16 CH-47F medium- to heavy-lift helicopters
• 6 CH-47Ds helicopters to support our troops in Afghanistan
• 100 Leopard 2 battle tanks
• mine-protected vehicles and trucks
• 6 to 8 Arctic offshore patrol ships to provide surveillance and control in our Arctic waters
• joint support ships to replenish our ships at sea and provide troop and equipment carrying capability

The Canada First defence strategy is a long-term evolution that will assess our needs to make wise investments. For the first time in modern memory, our Canadian Forces will be able to plan for an uncertain future because this government has committed to long-term and growing funding. There is little point in rebuilding the Canadian Forces to face the challenges of yesteryear. We are rebuilding the Canadian Forces to face the 21st century head-on. Our new defence strategy will provide our military with the tools and training to defend us here at home and protect our interests and values abroad.

Information on career options in the Canadian Forces is available at www.forces.ca or call 1-800-856-8488.

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The audio version of Garry's June 9, 2008 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here