As you may know, outside of North America and particularly in Europe, military professional associations exist and have existed for quite some time now. Australia and the UK have similar organisations as well, though I believe neither of them are actual professional associations with official status but rather are advocacy groups.

Curious as to what other members of this board think, as well as after doing some searching could find no actual topics about it. There are a lot of misconceptions about what an association or federation is, and can do. For example, the notion that military members can strike is an odd one because it assumes that a association must have that right. In the case of a military association, no I do not believe there are many out there that have the right to strike.

I believe that an association could be beneficial to the Canadian Forces because:

1.) Provide a voice or organisation for the profession of arms in the Canadian Forces, that can provide analysis, review of policy, procurement and administration in order to benefit the CF as a whole but also its members

2.) Provide effective negotiation abilities for members of the Canadian Forces, being government employees. This includes better support for wages, benefits, pensions and policies involved therein.

3.) Provide expertise and critical thought outside of the Chain of Command with regards to safety, policies and administration.

4.) Possibly provide an avenue for members to approach problems or situations outside of their Chain of Command without having to break unit cohesion or disruption in the CF itself. Representatives and resources can provide advice to members on matters regarding wages, policies, safety issues, harassment, abuse etc. (Though this would have to probably be carefully crafted so as not to disrupt the chain of command)

Anyways, thoughts?