News Item

[Bruce Parker (RIP)]

This was in yesterday's Toronto Star. It should be an article about theft, but has an undercurrent that makes me nervous. If 'cadpat' is a threat (terrorists posing as legitimate troops), then surley any military vehicle or uniform is equally dangerous...or will be made out that way by some?

Web sale of Canadian soldier uniforms probed
Canada's JTF2 gear sells on eBay
Pilfering poses security risk to soldiers
Mar. 15, 2006. 05:05 AM
CANADIAN PRESS
The military is investigating how uniforms and equipment issued only to Canadian soldiers are ending up for sale on the Internet, CBC News reports.
The sale also raises concerns about the security of troops.
"We'll be looking at all aspects right through and including the supply chain," Capt. Mark Giles of the military's National Investigation Service told the CBC.
Military investigators believe many items being sold on online may have been stolen by soldiers or civilians working in the supply chain.
The big worry is who is buying the uniforms and why. "It could mean that a potential attack is coming with insurgents who are disguising themselves as Canadian soldiers," said John Thompson of Toronto's MacKenzie Institute.
Each piece of a uniform is distinct, with its own serial number. It's not supposed to be worn by anyone other than a member of the Canadian Forces.
It is illegal for civilians to own or wear the Forces' distinctive camouflage CADPAT (Canadian Disruptive Pattern) clothing and illegal for soldiers to sell it.
But the CBC says that, for just a few hundred dollars, it's possible to buy a complete CADPAT uniform with name badge and rank insignia, making the person wearing it indistinguishable from a real Canadian soldier.
A web search also turned up gloves, combat helmets, specialized sniper jackets, and harnesses meant for the country's elite commandos, the JTF2. Such gear sold online last week for $1,200 (U.S.) before it was even issued to soldiers.
The ad reads, in part: "This auction is for both CADPAT arid and temperate versions. Winning bid wins both!!!!! ... Hard to find items! Both True JTF2 Canadian Special Forces Military Issue! ... This Auction contains no firearms, no firearm parts, no firearm magazines whatsoever."
The CADPAT became standard issue combat uniform for the army in 2002, replacing the olive green combat uniforms.
CANADIAN PRESS