BEST FIGHTER FOR CANADA

"Hey Justin, smell my finger..." Well...  It looks like the opening salvo has been fired in a trade war between the USA and Canada . The particulars are not important to our discussion here; just the usual bloviating and rhetoric .  What is important is whether or not this trade war will play a role in Canada's CF-18 replacement decision. Should military purchases be considered as ammunition in a trade war? On one hand, it could be argued that any trade war with the USA would be temporary.  Why base a 30 (or more) year fighter commitment on presidency that may not see the end of the decade?  Trump's tariffs are not widely supported and would likely not outlast his presidency.  With the CF-18 replacement not likely happening until the mid-2020s, the entire Trump presidency could be considered a moot point. Unfortunately, the Trump presidency (and his tariffs) will cast its shadow over most, if not all, of the CF-18 replacement process.  An RFP...

Years ago, I started blogging as an outlet to help with my PTSD symptoms.  Sitting down at a computer and writing about fighter jets may not seem like "therapy" to some of you, but it has helped me escape the stresses of the EMS world that I am a part of in my "day job".  For that, I am thankful. Unfortunately, some are not so lucky. Tragedy struck my station last week when a colleague, partner, and good friend lost his battle with mental illness .  We did not just lose a coworker that day, but a member of our family. Being witness to traumatic events, long hours, sleep deprivation, and a high-stress work environment all take their toll.  It is no wonder that first responders have a high incidence of mental illness . Unfortunately, some dismiss the issue; stating that first responders "know what they signed up for".  The truth is; paramedics, firefighters, police, and other first responders can witness sights many people cannot even fathom.  Nobo...