Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is responsible for all special forces operations that will be capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world.
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Composition
CANSOFCOM is composed of:
- Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the Canadian Forces’ special operations and counterterrorism unit
- 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron
- Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company
- Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR)
CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (CANCOM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). Integrating special operations forces in this manner increases their impact in operations, as well as the range of options available to the government in the deployment of the Canadian Forces.
Commanding officers
Colonel David Barr, CD, was the Commander of CANSOFCOM from its formation to 2007. Colonel D. Michael Day, CD is the current Commander Canadian Special Operations Forces Command .
Uniform
All members of CANSOFCOM wear the Tan beret. This includes both members of the Navy and Air Force, who in turn trade in their respective peak cap and wedge. However, they do retain their original cap badge.
Other Elite
Canadian Forces members undergo rigorous training of a variety of types; these soldiers are not necessarily employed in "special forces" roles. Some of this specialized training includes Army snipers, parachutists, pathfinders, and combat divers, as well as foreign training such as Ranger training with the US Army Rangers. Many soldiers who have received such training utilize these skill sets in regular combat arms units, and are not considered "special forces".
Marine Commando Regiment
On January 30, 2007, the Ottawa Citizen reported on the forthcoming creation of a Marine Commando Regiment, to be based in Comox, B.C., and will initially consist of 250 members. The unit will be responsible for responding to seaborne terrorist incidents, as well as Non-combatant Evacuation Operations in countries accessible by water.[1]
See also
- Canadian Forces
- Canadian Expeditionary Force Command
- Canada Command
- Devil's Brigade
- The Canadian Airborne Regiment
References
- ^ "New JTF2 site part of military overhaul," The Ottawa Citizen, 30 Jan 07. canada.com. Retrieved on January 30, 2007.
External links
- Official CSOFC Webpage.
- "New Canadian Forces Operational Commands Take Charge of Domestic, Special and International Operations," DND News Release, January 31, 2006
- "Special Operations Group (SOG) Canadian Forces Transformation – From Vision to Mission," Final Backgrounder from the Chief of the Defence Staff, September 13, 2005
- The Standing Committee on National Security and Defence Evidence, November 20, 2006
