A sizable crowd of Canadian expats gathered at La Nueva Posada in Ajijic Friday, November 16 to hear a talk by their government’s defence attaché in Mexico City, Colonel Jamie Cade. The event was organized by Guadalajara-based Canadian Consul Yvonne Chin, who was on hand to introduce the speaker.
Far from the stiff military man that many may have expected, Cade came off as an affable, regular guy who easily laced plenty of humor into his hour-long discussion.
He explained that his principal duty is to act a facilitator to encourage closer interaction with military forces in Mexico and other Central American countries. Although activities vary from one nation to another, the work commonly involves setting up training programs for foreign forces and aiding them in the development of effective defense strategies.Turning to issues on the home front, Cade noted that while Canada’s military branches are better trained and better equipped today than ever before, strategies in these dangerous and unpredictable times revolve around mind as much as muscle.
Ability to accurately define, assess and build up flexible defense mechanisms against potential threats – including terrorism, insurgencies and cyber attacks – can be more valuable than engaging in direct combat. “You don’t really go out and fight terrorists. You protect yourself. You get a grasp of underlying problems and try to get rid of the causes,” he said.
Much to the pleasure of retired officers seated in the audience, Cade observed that Canada’s military has gained greater prestige in the public eye over the past decade stemming from appreciation for accomplishments in conflict negotiation, nation building, peacekeeping and active fighting in international hot spots like Bosnia and Afghanistan. The important role active forces have often played in responding to natural disasters has likewise buffed their public image.