BEST FIGHTER FOR CANADA

A little over a year after Canada's F-35 Lightning II purchase was "reset" due to concerns over cost and suitability, we still don't seem much closer to a decision whether to continue on with the F-35 purchase, sole source another fighter aircraft, hold a full blown competition, or soldier on with the venerable CF-18 for a few more years (decades?). Canada's fighter jet selection process thus far... What we do know is that meetings have been held.  Meetings discussing the estimated cost and effectiveness of extending CF-18 service .  Meetings asking for " clarification " on cost estimates.  Meetings.  Meetings.  Meetings. Despite rumors that the ultimate decision would be postponed until the 2015 Federal election cycle, the Globe and Mail reports that the secretariat has all the information it's going to get and that it will soon announce one of the following. Go ahead with the original F-35 purchase as planned.  This, despite concerns o...

"Anybody know where I can find a job?" It's good to know a retired RCAF officer need not rely strictly on his or her modest pension after retirement.  There are plenty of other jobs in the private or public sector for those with the experience and credentials. Take Lt. General Charles Bouchard for instance, just slightly over a year (the mandatory "cooling off period) after his retirement from the RCAF, Bouchard has now been chosen as the new boss in charge of Lockheed Martin's operations in Canada.  Quite the prestigious, and no doubt well compensated position. Does the name sound familiar?  It should, Bouchard led NATO forces during the bombing runs over Libya a few years back.  While the actual benefits of that action are debatable , the operation itself went off rather smoothly.   But perhaps you heard the name somewhere else, maybe more recently? Back in December 2012, when the damning KPMG report prompted the Canadian federal govern...