Evidence of meeting #37 for National Defence in the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was training.

A recording is available from Parliament.

On the agenda

MPs speaking

Also speaking

Marta B. Mulkins  Commander, Naval Reserve, Royal Canadian Navy, Department of National Defence
Captain  N) Chris Ross (Deputy Commander, Naval Reserve, Royal Canadian Navy, Department of National Defence
1 David Arsenault  Chief Petty Officer, Naval Reserve, Royal Canadian Navy, Department of National Defence

4:55 p.m.

Liberal

Leona Alleslev Liberal Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON

I have one last question, leveraging some of what my colleagues have asked about culture.

Having a much broader augmentation and integration between the two forces will represent a step change in terms of culture. Having been a woman in the military, I can say that sometimes culture changes present a bit of a challenge for the military.

I wonder if, as part of the establishment review, there will be a section on how to integrate and what to watch for and how to deal with that culture change that more than likely will occur.

4:55 p.m.

Cmdre Marta B. Mulkins

That's a great question.

We are looking at something similar to that in the establishment review, but we don't look at it in terms of a culture change; we look at it more as the governance by which we ensure that reservists have access to the training they require, receive proper training, and have the right employment opportunities on a ship at any given time.

It works both ways, though. I have to stress that the augment role benefits the broader navy as well, not just because we're helping augment them in achieving their goals, but also because the navy needs to watch the personnel tempo, for example. I believe Admiral Lloyd, when he was testifying previously, talked about the need to track operational tempo at the individual level to make sure that some folks aren't away from home too much, for example, or are denied getting on their career courses because they are required on board their ship.

The reserve augmentation role is part of the management of the overall operational tempo at the individual level. It's very much a benefit. This is a dialogue at the governance level to make sure the right people can cycle out of their ships in time for their career courses or whatever their obligations might be. Reservists theoretically can cycle in and can support the overall tempo management.

5 p.m.

Liberal

Leona Alleslev Liberal Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON

In terms of a plan to monitor and ensure that this integration is seamless rather than, as in some cases in the past, making those changes and then realizing that it didn't go smoothly and maybe we need to have a SHARP program or Operation Honour—not that this would be the case in this case—maybe being proactive might be a better opportunity than facing the potential of a reactive response.

5 p.m.

Cmdre Marta B. Mulkins

We already have reservists sailing in those ships. I think we would start to know if there were any cultural differences. I don't foresee any, because we have been working so closely together across the naval enterprise for many years now.

That said, it could possibly be part of the measure and adjust going forward as well.

5 p.m.

Liberal

Leona Alleslev Liberal Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill, ON

Thank you.

5 p.m.

Liberal

The Chair Liberal Stephen Fuhr

I'd like to thank the three of you for your appearance today.

Thank you for your service.

I'm going suspend to say our goodbyes, and then we'll resume committee business in camera.

[Proceedings continue in camera]