General Rick Hillier has been responsible for setting the new tone of Canada's armed forces - tough, macho, trained killers - and he's starting to reap the rewards of his juvenile claptrap.
The proof of this particular pudding is in the type of young person now trying to enlist in Canada's military. A study of the recent recruits has found an increasing number "...are prone to displaying traits of social disobedience, intolerance toward ethnic groups and being fatalistic."
The Toronto Star reports, "A profile drawn up in the study shows that today's average potential military recruit is 'proud and intense,' a 'crude hedonist' and drawn to transgressive behaviour – or breaking the rules. Potential recruits are also driven by the need for social status and 'to belong,' and feel a lack of confidence in the future."
"The potential recruits tend to show an affinity for social Darwinism, characterized by the view that only the strongest members of society will survive. Violence and sex are also prominent interests associated with potential soldiers, according to the study, by Montreal-based polling firm CROP Inc.
"This contrasts, the study says, with those already enrolled in the army, who have upstanding qualities, including a commitment to duty and ethical concerns. They also seek enriching experiences and have a capacity to deal with uncertainty.
"The new report says the standing of the Canadian Forces has clearly risen since the Somalia scandal, thanks to a general alignment between military values and Canadian values.
"It found that Canadians are becoming more deferential to authority and more receptive to the need for strong homeland security, law and order and national pride."
No comments:
Post a Comment