The True Canadian Soldier, Respect!!

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - Canada's army chief says dozens, if not hundreds, of the troops being deployed to earthquake-ravaged Haiti have just returned from Afghanistan.

Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie told The Canadian Press the soldiers have volunteered and have been "pestering" commanders for the opportunity to help in the relief effort.

Special waivers will have to signed in order for them to go because the military has limits on rotation and time between deployments.

The humanitarian and reconstruction mission in Haiti was formally announced Sunday by Defence Minister Peter MacKay, who said the 1,000 soldiers will be dispatched this week.

Leslie said the unit designated for the assignment - the 3rd Battalion of the Royal 22nd Regiment based in ValCartier, Que.-is slated to deploy back to Kandahar next December.

It's unclear how long the army will be able to sustain the effort, given the multiple commitments its troops now face, but Leslie said the focus is currently on getting aid to earthquake victims.

http://www.lfpress.com/news/haiti/2010/01/17/12501571.html