Canadian soldiers have a special term they use to talk about extra equipment they purchase for themselves to add to what the Armed Forces provides. They call it “Gucci gear,” which comes from the fashion designer.. Soldier firing rocket launcherSoldier firing rocket launcher .Canadian troops in Latvia have been buying private equipment for their missions. They have purchased modern ballistic helmets with built-in hearing protection, rain gear, vests, belts for carrying supplies, and replacing poorly fitting body armour for female soldiers..These purchases made through online retailers consist of well-known tactical gear or weapon accessories that allow soldiers to personalize their existing equipment and make it more comfortable to wear..Canadian troops in Latvia urgently lack modern anti-tank weapons, drone countermeasures, and a dedicated short-range air defence system to protect against helicopters and attack jets. The battlegroup has more than 700 Canadians of the 1,500 soldiers..The frustrations have increased as more allied troops, including Danish soldiers, arrive with Canadian-purchased gear that surpasses the equipment of Canadian soldiers..“In general, it was concerning verging on embarrassing to see the differences in issued soldier equipment between us and the Danes,” said Lt.-Col. Jesse van Eijk, the Canadian battle group commander in Latvia, in a May 12, 2023 email obtained by CBC News..“This was only exacerbated by the fact they were carrying more advanced Canadian-made Colt Canada rifles, mounting more advanced Canadian Elcan DR sights, and the fact that most of the systems our soldiers lacked were easily available on the open market and not some sort of closely guarded technology.”.For over thirty years, the Danish military has relied on various Canadian-made weapons, such as the C7 assault rifle and the C8 carbine..Obtaining improved hearing protection for soldiers has been an ongoing challenge for the army. Many troops rely on yellow foam earplugs to safeguard their hearing from the loud noises generated by artillery and heavy weapons fire..In a capability deficiency report written in 2019, the army's infantry school brought attention to the lack of suitable ear protection, which was acknowledged by the Department of National Defence (DND)..DND spokesperson Jessica Lamirande stated in a written statement that procurement projects are currently in progress to supply soldiers with upgraded tactical helmets, vests, and boots, as well as “converged rain suits, sunhats, and hybrid combat shirts.”.According to the DND, the clothing is to be delivered in 2024..DND awarded a contract in February for improved helmets with ear protection for “light forces,” which includes special forces and infantry. DND is also working on acquiring new handguns, general-purpose machine guns, and sniper rifles for soldiers..The DND statement did not directly address the soldiers' complaints or explain the delay in addressing concerns about hearing loss. This delay has led to increased disability claims being submitted to the department of Veterans Affairs for hearing loss..“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our members remains a top priority,” said Lamirande..“Acquiring hearing protection for soldiers is a complex undertaking as it must balance noise reduction, weight, and the ability for users to effectively communicate.”.Regarding purchasing heavier weapons, Lamirande stated that the department has initiated “a rigorous and systematic process.” They will be issuing a request for proposals during the summer..A new portable anti-tank system is to be delivered in 2024, while the development of anti-drone and anti-aircraft systems is still in the analysis phase, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of 2023 at the earliest.
Canadian soldiers have a special term they use to talk about extra equipment they purchase for themselves to add to what the Armed Forces provides. They call it “Gucci gear,” which comes from the fashion designer.. Soldier firing rocket launcherSoldier firing rocket launcher .Canadian troops in Latvia have been buying private equipment for their missions. They have purchased modern ballistic helmets with built-in hearing protection, rain gear, vests, belts for carrying supplies, and replacing poorly fitting body armour for female soldiers..These purchases made through online retailers consist of well-known tactical gear or weapon accessories that allow soldiers to personalize their existing equipment and make it more comfortable to wear..Canadian troops in Latvia urgently lack modern anti-tank weapons, drone countermeasures, and a dedicated short-range air defence system to protect against helicopters and attack jets. The battlegroup has more than 700 Canadians of the 1,500 soldiers..The frustrations have increased as more allied troops, including Danish soldiers, arrive with Canadian-purchased gear that surpasses the equipment of Canadian soldiers..“In general, it was concerning verging on embarrassing to see the differences in issued soldier equipment between us and the Danes,” said Lt.-Col. Jesse van Eijk, the Canadian battle group commander in Latvia, in a May 12, 2023 email obtained by CBC News..“This was only exacerbated by the fact they were carrying more advanced Canadian-made Colt Canada rifles, mounting more advanced Canadian Elcan DR sights, and the fact that most of the systems our soldiers lacked were easily available on the open market and not some sort of closely guarded technology.”.For over thirty years, the Danish military has relied on various Canadian-made weapons, such as the C7 assault rifle and the C8 carbine..Obtaining improved hearing protection for soldiers has been an ongoing challenge for the army. Many troops rely on yellow foam earplugs to safeguard their hearing from the loud noises generated by artillery and heavy weapons fire..In a capability deficiency report written in 2019, the army's infantry school brought attention to the lack of suitable ear protection, which was acknowledged by the Department of National Defence (DND)..DND spokesperson Jessica Lamirande stated in a written statement that procurement projects are currently in progress to supply soldiers with upgraded tactical helmets, vests, and boots, as well as “converged rain suits, sunhats, and hybrid combat shirts.”.According to the DND, the clothing is to be delivered in 2024..DND awarded a contract in February for improved helmets with ear protection for “light forces,” which includes special forces and infantry. DND is also working on acquiring new handguns, general-purpose machine guns, and sniper rifles for soldiers..The DND statement did not directly address the soldiers' complaints or explain the delay in addressing concerns about hearing loss. This delay has led to increased disability claims being submitted to the department of Veterans Affairs for hearing loss..“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our members remains a top priority,” said Lamirande..“Acquiring hearing protection for soldiers is a complex undertaking as it must balance noise reduction, weight, and the ability for users to effectively communicate.”.Regarding purchasing heavier weapons, Lamirande stated that the department has initiated “a rigorous and systematic process.” They will be issuing a request for proposals during the summer..A new portable anti-tank system is to be delivered in 2024, while the development of anti-drone and anti-aircraft systems is still in the analysis phase, with contracts expected to be awarded by the end of 2023 at the earliest.
