[Modernman]

Integration is the only way I think we can survive as a military at this point, without spending more money.

Integration might save the US money, too. Let's say, for the sake of argument, the Canadian military specializes in search and rescue or military policing (a sorely needed speciality, from what I've heard). That's one specialist area that the US military doesn't have to spend its money one.

The US military is having money problems, too. It would be great for everyone involved if allies could take over certain areas.

[Modernman]

One problem with integration, though, is the justifiable fear on the part of the US military that Canadian politics could lead to Canadian troops being forced to stay home in certain situations. Canadian soldiers might be itching to go to Iraq, but the brass at home might decide to keep them in barracks.

The beginning of the downfall of the Canadian military can be traced back to the unfortunate behavior of the Paras in Somalia.