[maple_leaf_eh]

Ah! The images Ed posted are cropped from a larger shot of two dignitaries being received by an honor guard (sic) of mixed CF and USAF personnel in Colorado Springs at NORAD HQ. Many US precision drill units use vintage rifles not the current service rifles.

I think the criticism should be directed to the RCAF CWO about Canadians integrated into joint ceremonial units, without use of Canadian pattern service rifles.

Yes at one time the RCAF was issued with 30-06 M1 Garand rifles instead of .303 No.4 rifles. Someone will have a musty copy of the manual for arms drill with that firearm. I wouldn't expect DHH has one of everything, especially something as esoteric as a limited issue small arm for air base defence forces in the 1950s in Europe. But Canada issues the fine Canadian-made C7A2. Generations of drill instruction has developed a very comprehensive drill manual for Canadians to use in public. So what if there are different words of command and movements to get from Order Arms to Present Arms? There are different movements when officers do sword drill in front of troops with rifles, and no one moves unless the command is directed to them. And, why no white belts and slings?

Yes the photo shows cooperation between the countries, solidarity, shoulder-to-shoulder etc etc. However, there are perceptions of sovereignty and distinctions to be respected. Canadians being absorbed into US units, even for ceremonial purposes is inappropriate.

There you go Ed, your letter to the Editor is half written.