NORAD is unique - it is a joint command. The NORAD agreement requires the commander and deputy to from different countries (practically, it's always been a American commander and Canadian deputy). The agreement also requires integrated and binational staff. NORAD itself is responsible for aerospace warning, and aerospace control. It exercises aerospace control by having operational control (though not ownership) of national units.
When the article talks about Canadian officers serving as deputy corps commanders, that's referring to Canadian participants in exchange programs. The US military has exchange programs which do 1:1 exchanges with allied forces. For example, a Canadian might end up as as a US deputy division or corps officer, and an American might end up as a Canadian brigade staff officer or deputy commander. The exchange programs are part of a broader American program to build military-military ties, increase interoperability, and maybe grant unique perspectives.
NORAD spots must be filled, and will be filled. It just means that you're probably not getting the best or most motivated candidates anymore. The exchange slots will probably whittle away.
Since the Russians are mentioned in the OP, I'll ask this:
In a hypothetical world where Russian influence controlled NORAD, what would they do differently than today? Driving allies to offer less skilled deputies to U.S. posts seems natural for their objectives.
8 comments
[ 0.19 ms ] story [ 12.0 ms ] threadWhen the article talks about Canadian officers serving as deputy corps commanders, that's referring to Canadian participants in exchange programs. The US military has exchange programs which do 1:1 exchanges with allied forces. For example, a Canadian might end up as as a US deputy division or corps officer, and an American might end up as a Canadian brigade staff officer or deputy commander. The exchange programs are part of a broader American program to build military-military ties, increase interoperability, and maybe grant unique perspectives.
NORAD spots must be filled, and will be filled. It just means that you're probably not getting the best or most motivated candidates anymore. The exchange slots will probably whittle away.
Did the former members of the allies get a vote when they were handed to Stalin by FDR ?
If you want something more recent, did the Persian Gulf allies get informed or a vote in the recent war about preemptive strikes ?
We all know that the Canadians never have any serious ability to veto any action. The only equality is that Canadians are expected to die when told.
What does this mean?
In a hypothetical world where Russian influence controlled NORAD, what would they do differently than today? Driving allies to offer less skilled deputies to U.S. posts seems natural for their objectives.