Description
Book SynopsisThe Canadian Rangers stand sentinel in the farthest reaches of our country. For more than six decades, this dedicated group of citizen-soldiers has quietly served as Canada's eyes, ears, and voice in isolated coastal and northern communities from coast to coast to coast.
How does this minimally trained and lightly equipped force make a meaningful contribution to national defence and to building sustainable communities? One of Canada's leading experts on northern issues answers this question using official records, extensive interviews, and on-the-ground participation in Ranger exercises. In this meticulously researched history, Lackenbauer reveals why the Rangers have evolved into a flexible, inexpensive, and culturally inclusive way to promote sovereignty, security, safety, and stewardship. This unique organization reflects a successful partnership between the modern state and residents of remote communities, a partnership rooted in local knowledge and crosscultural understan
Trade Review
As any good historian would, Lackenbauer has researched his subject exhaustively, as evidenced by the extensive introduction, numerous maps and fascinating archival photos and a staggering 123 pages of footnotes. But this level of academic thoroughness doesn’t affect the book’s readability, and the result is an engaging history of a uniquely Canadian institution. -- Tyrone Burke * Canadian Geographic Magazine *
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 The Pacific Coast Militia Rangers, 1942-45
2 Setting the Stage, 1946-47
3 “Teething Troubles,” 1947-49
4 Formative Years, 1950-52
5 Exercising the Rangers, 1952-56
6 Shadow Army, 1957-70
7 Sovereignty and Symbolism, 1970-84
8 “The Most Cost-Efficient Program in the Canadian Forces,” 1985-93
9 Enhancement and the Junior Canadian Rangers, 1994-99
10 “Very Special Forces,” 2000-06
11 Sovereignty, Security, and Stewardship
Notes; Bibliography; Index
