Royal ruckus as more branches of military up for ‘Royal’ redesignation

OTTAWA – A bit of a Royal ruckus developed as National Defence went about extending last year’s re-branding of the military to the smaller branches of the Canadian Forces.

Restoring the prefix “Royal” to the navy and air force has been a huge point of pride for the Harper government.

It says last year’s decision helps the soldiers, sailors and aircrew of today connect with their storied history.

A series of briefing notes prepared for the country’s top military commanders show subordinate commands — the elements that make up the army, navy and air force — are next up to undergo the name change.

But it’s not something as simple as changing business cards and stationery, since each designation must meet with the Queen’s approval and recommendations have been forwarded to Buckingham Palace.

Documents suggest some military officials have had concerns that re-branding some of the smaller commands could be “divisive and a potential threat” to harmony within those branches.