RESERVISTS' BASIC PURPOSE IS COMBAT

Re: Reservists should not serve in combat zones, July 12.

As a long-time regular soldier and reservist, I take exception to the comments of letter-writer Jean Paquette, who feels that Canada should stop sending reservists into combat.

If we are not training our infantry reservists for combat, what is the purpose of their existence?

Mr. Paquette served with 426 Heavy Transport Squadron, a unit with an enviable record for its Korean War service. He mentions that many of his passengers had little more than one year of service.

In the Korean War, the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Regiment went to Korea with many members who had only a few months' service, and most of the young soldiers were fresh from civilian life. Nevertheless, the unit's stand at Kapyong was rewarded by the only U.S. Presidential Unit Citation ever awarded to a Canadian battalion. The British 29th Brigade, including the famed Gloucestershire Regiment, the Royal Ulster Rifles and the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, was primarily made up of reservists. My own unit's infantry sections were made up of more than 50-per-cent National Servicemen -- draftees, not even reservists. I was proud to serve with them.

During the Second World War only one of the 10 Canadian army's Victoria Crosses was awarded to a regular soldier -- the others were won by reservists.

I'm sorry, Mr. Paquette, but our reservists -- bless them -- have a role that transcends mounting guard on Parliament Hill (check the medals on some of the scarlet tunics!) and shovelling snow in Toronto streets.

Les Peate,

Ottawa


PUBLICATION: The Ottawa Citizen
DATE: 2006.07.17
BYLINE: Les Peate
SOURCE: The Ottawa Citizen