Changes to training forced by budget cuts could leave military less ready for a fight, experts warn

Internal budget cuts at the Department of National Defence have driven the Canadian Armed Forces to make radical changes to training for fighter pilots and for soldiers destined for Latvia — an overhaul that experts warn could undermine military readiness.

The army is no longer requiring that troops headed for deployment in Eastern Europe take part in a major qualifying exercise at the base in Wainwright, Alta., the department said in a media statement issued after CBC News asked questions.

Instead, the department said, the combined arms training will take place in the Baltic nation, alongside allies, after the troops arrive there.

The air force also announced recently that it will retire its aging fleet of jet trainers and farm out fighter jet qualification instruction to allied nations.

Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Wayne Eyre, the country's top military commander, defended the decision recently and insisted there will be no erosion of quality among troops and fighter pilots.

Former army commander Andrew Leslie, an ex-Liberal MP, disagreed. The retired lieutenant-general said the combined arms training in Alberta — where soldiers learn to operate in concert with tanks, artillery and aircraft — helped make Canadian troops a cut above the rest and fully prepared for what they might face if Russian troops cross the Latvian border.

Leslie said withholding that level of training until soldiers can exercise with their allies in NATO's multinational brigade — which Canada leads — could be dangerous.

«They're going to have to learn on the job, using other people's equipment and expertise in the country» where they could end up fighting the Russians, said Leslie.

He said the Russians no doubt will take note of the change. «Keep in