There are many ways in which our active battalion can measure its success. Number of personnel on deployments, number of courses completed, quality of training exercises, leadership capabilities of our senior and junior leaders, and the general level of esprit de corps, discipline and battle readiness are all legitimate barometers by which our success can be measured.
There is one measure, though, that effectively encompasses all of those other barometers. That measure is our growth. When we grow, we inevitably improve on many fronts. Growth in our ranks increases our ability to send personnel on deployments and on courses. Increased numbers provide us with greater leadership opportunities for all ranks and allow for better and more realistic training exercises which further develop our potential as a fighting force. And strength in numbers leads to strength in our morale, our spirit, our commitment, our discipline, our pride and our overall fighting capabilities.
Thankfully, our growth record is strong. Indeed, in the past year we have moved from a strength of 150 to a strength of 250. We are unique in the Canadian Armed Forces in demonstrating a one year 66.7% current growth rate. No other CAF unit can lay claim to that kind of growth. Even better, all indications are that our growth is continuing.
The growth we are experiencing aligns nicely with the CAF’s overall modernization program and the anticipated significant role which Primary Reserve units are expected to play in the modernized CAF. Given the recent pattern of consolidation/amalgamation of Primary Reserve units, including some within 32 Brigade, it’s positive and inspiring to see continuing significant growth within our own active unit.
Of course, this is no time to rest on our laurels. Yes, our growth provides us with opportunity for increased resilience, flexibility, overall effectiveness and staying power. But we need to always maintain focus on our traits that have resulted in our growth in the first place. Presenting our soldiers with leadership opportunities, effective and meaningful training, ensuring a high degree of fighting unit pride and commitment, and a continued emphasis on our Highlander esprit de corps and morale need to continue as foundational strengths as we anticipate and lead into the future.
And don’t ever hesitate to tell anyone who is interested of the adventurous, valuable, meaningful, fulfilling … and fun … experience that comes with being a 48th Highlander!