The Canadian military has it tough these days. The legends of World Was II are only 50,000 strong and in a government that basically does not think very much of them.
Oddly, they are being tasked with saving the environment in Canada.
Canadian Forces Base Suffield, Alberta., is in a quiet tug-of-war with the oil and gas industry. Last year by the Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board to approve 47 non-routine natural gas well applications by energy giant Cenovus.
So along with what is traditionally been considered the core mission of any military - preparation for combat - they are being forced to juggle government mandates, environmental issue and monitor industrial concerns.
In southeast Alberta, they have rattlesnakes but, says Lt.-Col. Doug Clagge, the military has to "take a lot of considerations and briefings with soldiers to make sure that they pay attention as they're driving along the road, because the snakes like to go on the roads, and not to run over them."
That level of micromanagement would make me want to get on a plane back to Kandahar.
"You think you're going to be worrying about this building and that road, and the electricity here. Quite frankly one of the major issues that took up a lot of my initial time and effort was to learn exactly about the unique environment issues here on Suffield."
Read about the many confusing missions of the Canadian army:
Army on the front line of green defence by The Canadian Press
