Canada's LSVW fleet grounded

[maple_leaf_eh]

A transmission with no Park; a gas guage that stops indicating a 1/4; a parking brake that is up when it is off; an engine that won't shift into gear if revving too high; the famous non-asbestos brakes; tool bins that don't close properly (been there, done that, did the walk of shame too); a wonky diesel preheat system; a spare tire mount that can kill at the flick of a switch; ... etc.

We have nobody but our leaders to blame for this. When errors and failings were found, the bosses ignored their soldiers. The guys who accepted the make-it-look-better programs, had their loyalties backwards. And, lets not forget the politics of regional diversification. Why give the contracts to companies that know how to build trucks? Surely some under-challenged economist can cook up a business / economic model that makes more sense! But ultimately, some officer was more afraid of his boss than he was respectful of his commissioning scroll.

[RHClarke]

Originally Posted by maple_leaf_eh

But ultimately, some officer was more afraid of his boss than he was respectful of his commissioning scroll.

Terry.

In the end, military contracts are reviewed by a number of committees - both military and civilian. All projects are looked at in terms of regional benefits and offsets. The "pie" is cut supposedly to meet the needs of the military while benefiting Canadian industry and employment.

It matters little if the "officer" agrees or disagrees with his "boss". The important decisions for capital projects are made at the civilian level with Treasury Board and sometimes the Cabinet/PM Office making the final decisions. Yes, our senior staff in uniform have the option of coming to attention, saluting and saying "Yes, Sir!", or they can fall on their sword and say "No way am I signing on to this". If they choose the latter, then there is always a willing replacement in the wings ready to do what is "required" despite the direction given on their Commissioning Scroll. But, what does that matter? Military sign off is just a "check in a box" that is a minor formality (and not an obstacle) for the politicians.

Ethics are a funny business and they are subject to cultural and political influences. Knowing what "right" looks like is sometimes filtered by ambition and opportunity - and this applies equally to politicians and military folks alike. While I am not sure of the ins and outs of the LSVW case as I arrived in the requirements world after the LSVW contract award, I can say with some authority that it is not the "officer" who makes the final decision on a project. It is, and it will remain our political masters. Sometimes they get it right, sometimes they get it wrong (LSVW case in point).

[Ed Storey]

I believe DND never wanted the vehicle and that it was thrust on the department by the government at the time to help the failing Western Star.

[Harry Moon]

When I was driving my C15A home on the freeway on the last dat of the 2005 freedom tour, Between Chilliwack and Abbotsford. I was poking along in the right lane until I came upon a slower truck.... you guessed it, an LSVW, I passsed it. To be fair I was shod with a borrowed set of 13X20's that really got me going.