84-747: The Armed Forces Council is the senior military body of the Canadian Armed Forces . It meets to advise and assist the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) on all matters concerning the command, control, and administration of the forces, and generally meets once per month. It was created in 1964 to replace the Chiefs of Staff Committee in preparation for the 1968 unification of the Canadian Armed Forces . The Armed Forces Council
168-531: A Brigadier-General, the Director General Cyber (DG Cyber). Within that directorate, the newly established CAF Cyber Task Force has been tasked to design and build cyber warfare capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces. The Royal Canadian Medical Service is a personnel branch of the CAF, consisting of all members of medical occupations. The Royal Canadian Dental Corps is a personnel branch of
252-652: A French Canadian, in Lower Canada ( Quebec ). As soon as war was declared, Brock hastened to capture the American post on Lake Huron at Michilimackinac . Besides closing a key crossing on the Great Lakes , his success earned the admiration and loyalty of the Indian leader, Tecumseh . Brock then led a force of his troops along with colonial militia, fencibles and Tecumseh's Indians to capture Fort Detroit , securing
336-603: A central position in the Canadian Armed Forces . The National Defence Act states that "the Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada, consisting of one service called the Canadian Armed Forces" and the Constitution Act, 1867 , vests command-in-chief of the Forces in the country's sovereign , who, since 1904, has authorized his or her viceroy , the governor general , to exercise
420-514: A deployed Joint Task Force through Canadian Joint Operations Command . On September 26, 2024, Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command (CAFCYBERCOM) was established. The Canadian Armed Forces have a total reserve force of approximately 50,000 primary and supplementary that can be called upon in times of national emergency or threat. For the components and sub-components of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force,
504-615: Is a formation capable of operating independently but primarily focused on generating special operations forces (SOF) elements to support CJOC. The command includes Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) based at CFB Trenton, as well as the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) and 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (SOAS) based at CFB Petawawa. Among other things,
588-686: Is an operational element established in October 2012 with the merger of Canada Command , the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and the Canadian Operational Support Command . The new command, created as a response to the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget, combines the resources, roles and responsibilities of the three former commands under a single headquarters. The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM)
672-534: Is chaired by the CDS and consists of the following positions: This Canadian military article is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Canadian Armed Forces The Canadian Armed Forces ( CAF ; French : Forces armées canadiennes , FAC ) are the unified military forces of Canada , including land, sea, and air commands referred to as the Canadian Army , Royal Canadian Navy and
756-1087: Is headed by the commander of the Canadian Army and is administered through four divisions—the 2nd Canadian Division , the 3rd Canadian Division , the 4th Canadian Division and the 5th Canadian Division —the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training System and the Canadian Army Headquarters. Currently, the Regular Force component of the Army consists of three field-ready brigade groups : 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Edmonton and CFB Shilo ; 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Petawawa and CFB Gagetown ; and 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group , at CFB Valcartier and Quebec City . Each contains one regiment of artillery , armour , and combat engineers , three battalions of infantry (all scaled in
840-648: Is responsible for the operational command and control of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 1 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out through eleven wings located across Canada. The commander of 2 Canadian Air Division is responsible for training and support functions. 2 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out at two wings. 3 Canadian Space Division is responsible for delivering space power effects in support of Canadian Armed Forces operations, including space domain awareness, space-based support of military operations, and defending and protecting military space capabilities. Wings represent
924-549: Is usually a major-general or rear-admiral , and is divided into four components that are each operationally and administratively responsible to its corresponding environmental command in the Regular Force—the Naval Reserve (NAVRES), Land Force Reserve (LFR), and Air Reserve (AIRRES)—in addition to one force that does not fall under an environmental command, the Health Services Reserve under
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#17327728499311008-588: The Canadian Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms . As a result of these reviews, the department changed its policies to permit women to serve at sea in replenishment ships and a diving tender, with the army service battalions, in military police platoons and field ambulance units, and most air squadrons. In 1987, occupations and units with the primary role of preparing for direct involvement in combat on
1092-482: The 1997 Red River flood to help with evacuation, building dikes, and other flood-fighting efforts. The operation was considered a "public relations bonanza" for the military. The Forces were also deployed after the North American ice storm of 1998 , with relief efforts beginning on 8 January, after the provinces of New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec requested aid. Over 16,000 troops were deployed, making it
1176-612: The 2nd Canadian Division each have two Reserve Force brigade groups, while the 4th Canadian Division and the 3rd Canadian Division each have three Reserve Force brigade groups. Major training and support establishments exist at CFB Gagetown , CFB Montreal and CFB Wainwright . The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is headed by the commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force . The commander of 1 Canadian Air Division and Canadian NORAD Region , based in Winnipeg ,
1260-654: The Battle of the Thames . Many engagements proved to be bloody but indecisive, including the Battle of Lundy's Lane near Niagara Falls, Ontario , the burning of both York ( Toronto ) and Washington , and in numerous naval engagements on the Great Lakes. When the war concluded in 1815, nothing material had changed for the European powers. The Treaty of Ghent restored all pre-war boundaries. Canadians, meanwhile, discovered
1344-706: The Canadian Forces Health Services Group . The Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) consists of officers and non-commissioned members who conduct training, safety, supervision and administration of nearly 60,000 cadets aged 12 to 18 years in the Canadian Cadet Organization . The majority of members in COATS are officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) branch of
1428-634: The Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu . Officers will generally either directly enter the Canadian Armed Forces with a degree from a civilian university or receive their commission upon graduation from the Royal Military College of Canada . Specific element and trade training is conducted at a variety of institutions throughout Canada, and to a lesser extent,
1512-617: The Canadian Rangers . Under the National Defence Act , the Canadian Armed Forces are an entity separate and distinct from the Department of National Defence (the federal government department responsible for the administration and formation of defence policy), which also exists as the civilian support system for the forces. The commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces is constitutionally vested in
1596-560: The Canadian Royal Family also act as colonels-in-chief , honorary air commodores , air commodores-in-chief , admirals, and captains-general of Canadian Forces units, though these positions are ceremonial. The Canadian Forces operate out of 27 Canadian Forces bases (CFB) across the country, including NDHQ. This number has been gradually reduced since the 1970s with bases either being closed or merged. Both officers and non-commissioned members receive their basic training at
1680-543: The Canadian Special Operations Regiment . More funds were also put towards recruitment, which had been dwindling throughout the 1980s and 1990s, possibly because the Canadian populace had come to perceive the Forces as peacekeepers rather than as soldiers, as shown in a 2008 survey conducted by the Department of National Defence. The poll found that nearly two-thirds of Canadians agreed with the country's participation in
1764-805: The French and Indian War . In 1775, during the American Revolutionary War , plans to invade Canada were drawn up as the first major military initiative by the newly formed Continental Army . The objective of the campaign was to gain military control of the British Province of Quebec (modern day Canada), and convince the French-speaking Canadiens to join the revolution on the side of the Thirteen Colonies . There were only two British regiments in
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#17327728499311848-594: The Hundred Days Offensive . During this period, a distinctly Canadian army and navy were established, followed by an air force, that, because of the constitutional arrangements at the time, remained effectively under the control of the British government until Canada gained legislative independence from the United Kingdom in 1931, in part due to the distinguished achievement and sacrifice of
1932-636: The Militia Act , which authorized the raising of an initial force of 5,000 (later increased to 10,000) regulars. The act was passed to raise an active force of militia which could partially compensate for the withdrawal of British regulars as a result of the Crimean War . Although additional British troops were re-deployed to Canada to deter a potential Union invasion during the American Civil War , this force played an instrumental role in
2016-925: The Royal Canadian Air Force . The CAF also operates several other commands, including the Canadian Forces Intelligence Command , the Canadian Joint Operations Command , and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command . Personnel may belong to either the Regular Force or the Reserve Force, which has four sub-components: the Primary Reserve , Supplementary Reserve , Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service , and
2100-608: The Royal Canadian Air Force . These forces were organized under the Department of Militia and Defence , and split into the Permanent and Non-Permanent Active Militias —frequently shortened to simply The Militia . By 1923, the department was merged into the Department of National Defence . The first significant overseas deployment of Canadian military forces occurred during the Second Boer War when several units were raised to serve under British command. Similarly, when
2184-807: The United Kingdom engaged in Europe, the United States took the opportunity to declare war and launch another attempt to capture Canada and expand westward into Indian territories. While British redcoats did most of the fighting in the War of 1812 , Canadian militia and allied Indian warriors proved to be a vital part of Canada's defence. The merit of British professional commanders was illustrated by Major-General Sir Isaac Brock in Upper Canada ( Ontario ) and Lieutenant-Colonel Charles de Salaberry ,
2268-469: The advice of his or her ministers in Cabinet , including the prime minister and minister of national defence, who are accountable to the elected House of Commons . The Canadian Forces' 92,600 personnel are divided into a hierarchy of numerous ranks of officers and non-commissioned members . The governor general appoints, on the advice of the prime minister, the chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) as
2352-488: The monarch , Charles III . The chief of the Defence Staff is the professional head of the Canadian Armed Forces, who under the direction of the minister of national defence and together with the assistance of the Armed Forces Council , manages the operations of the Canadian Armed Forces. In 2023, Canada's military expenditure totalled approximately US$ 27.2 billion, or around 1.3 percent of
2436-641: The 13th Battalion (today's Royal Hamilton Light Infantry) mobilized over two hundred soldiers for frontier service. The first serious raid came in June 1866 with 850 Fenians attacking at Ridgeway in the Niagara region, then withdrawing quickly back across the border. This was the largest and best-organized raid, and militia units, again primarily the Queen's Own Rifles and Hamilton's 13th Battalion, were called out. The engagement ended with Fenian victory at Ridgeway, but
2520-430: The 1690s to provide all militiamen with clothing and equipment. This consisted generally of a capote , a breechcloth , leggings, a blanket, moccasins, a knife and two shirts, The clothing did not constitute a military uniform but was simply Canadian-style civilian wear. Since these men were not paid, this was a relatively economical way of maintaining an effective militia. British and colonial American troops found that
2604-733: The 1950s, the recruitment of women was open to roles in medicine, communication, logistics, and administration. The roles of women in the CAF began to expand in 1971 after the department reviewed the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women , at which time it lifted the ceiling of 1,500 women personnel, and gradually expanded employment opportunities into the non-traditional areas—vehicle drivers and mechanics, aircraft mechanics, air-traffic controllers, military police, and firefighters. The department further reviewed personnel policies in 1978 and 1985, after Parliament passed
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2688-427: The 1990s, the introduction of women into the combat arms increased the potential recruiting pool by about 100 percent. Women were fully integrated into all occupations and roles by the government of Jean Chrétien , and by 8 March 2000, even allowed to serve on submarines. All equipment must be suitable for a mixed-gender force. Combat helmets, rucksacks, combat boots, and flak jackets are designed to ensure women have
2772-588: The British fashion), one battalion for logistics , a squadron for headquarters / signals , and several smaller support organizations. A tactical helicopter squadron and a field ambulance are co-located with each brigade but do not form part of the brigade's command structure. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions each have a Regular Force brigade group, and each division except the 1st has two to three Reserve Force brigades groups. In total, there are ten Reserve Force brigade groups. The 5th Canadian Division and
2856-420: The British sympathies and the military training to establish competent professional forces to oppose the perceived American threat. Called "fencibles", the new units were organized within the British army, but charged wholly with the defence of their home colonies. Their professional presence also enhanced training for the citizen militia and established many traditions that continue to modern times. In 1812, with
2940-486: The CAF. The Health Services Group is a joint formation that includes over 120 general or specialized units and detachments providing health services to the Canadian Armed Forces. With few exceptions, all elements are under command of the Commander, who may also be appointed Surgeon General when the position is filled by a medical officer, for domestic support and force generation, or temporarily assigned under command of
3024-965: The CAF. Members of the Reserve Force Sub-Component COATS who are not employed part-time (Class A) or full-time (Class B) may be held on the "Cadet Instructor Supplementary Staff List" (CISS List) in anticipation of employment in the same manner as other reservists are held as members of the Supplementary Reserve. The Canadian Rangers , who provide surveillance and patrol services in Canada's arctic and other remote areas, are an essential reserve force component used for Canada's exercise of sovereignty over its northern territory. Colonial militia in Canada The colonial militias in Canada were made up of various militias prior to Confederation in 1867. During
3108-478: The Canadian Armed Forces dates from 1 February 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy , Canadian Army , and Royal Canadian Air Force were merged into a unified structure and superseded by elemental commands, known as Air Command, Land Force, and Maritime Command. On 16 August 2011, the names for the three elemental commands were reverted to their historical predecessor, although the unified structure of
3192-891: The Canadian Armed Forces was maintained. Deployment of Land Forces during this period has included NATO efforts in Europe, peacekeeping operations within United Nations-sanctioned conflicts and combat missions. The Canadian Forces deployed in Afghanistan until 2011, under the NATO-led United Nations International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), at the request of the Government of Afghanistan. The Forces have also deployed domestically to provide aid during emergencies and natural disasters. Over 8,500 military personnel were sent to Manitoba after
3276-798: The Canadian Corps in the First World War. In November 1940, the Canadian militia was formally renamed the Canadian Army. However, in the 1950s, Reserve Army forces were once again referred to in official documentation as "Militia", which, although rare, is still used to refer to part-time members. Canadian Forces entered the Second World War in September 1939, after the Canadian Crown-in-Council declared war on Nazi Germany . Battles and campaigns during
3360-634: The Canadian Forces Aptitude Test. However, Brigadier-General Virginia Tattersall (commander of military forces generation, including the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group [CFRG]) said, "There are no occupations that we restrict based on gender", though "diversity is a consideration" and near the end of the recruiting year, "We will look at diversity applicants first." In March 2021, Lieutenant-Colonel Eleanor Taylor resigned citing sexual misconduct among
3444-418: The Canadian Forces Electronic Warfare Centre (CFEWC), the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre (CFNOC), the Canadian Forces Signals Intelligence Operations Centre (CFSOC), the Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Leitrim , and the 764 Communications Squadron. In June 2011 the Canadian Armed Forces Chief of Force Development announced the establishment of a new organization, the Directorate of Cybernetics, headed by
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3528-445: The Canadian colonies came to recognize a shared need for a vigilant and coordinated defence: a key factor leading to a confederation of the provinces into one country in 1867. Forts were utilized by both French and British militia units throughout Canada's colonial history. The following forts built by the authorities of New France were used by its military, including its militia units: Military fortifications continued to be used by
3612-419: The Canadian militias was reorganized into the Canadian Army . The term Militia is still used to refer to the Canadian Army's part-time Primary Reserve . Military service has been part of Canadian life since the 17th century in New France , where colonists were required to serve in local militia to support regular units of the French army and navy. In 1651, Pierre Boucher received a commission of captain from
3696-407: The Fenians withdrew back to the United States through Fort Erie, where another skirmish was fought before the invaders withdrew across the Niagara River. Militia units skirmished with the Fenians sporadically until 1871. The raids ended after unsuccessful attacks during the Battle of Eccles Hill in Quebec and in the northwest frontier, near the Manitoba border. The Fenians accomplished little, but
3780-456: The Forces. Canada has served in over 50 peacekeeping missions, including every United Nations (UN) peacekeeping effort from its inception until 1989. More than 125,000 Canadians have served in international peacekeeping operations, with approximately 130 Canadians having died during these operations. Canada's strong support for multilateralism and internationalism has been closely related to its peacekeeping efforts. Canada's role in
3864-439: The Indigenous-style tactics (i.e., guerrilla warfare , scalping ) of the Canadian militia made them a formidable adversary. Perhaps the two most famous Canadian attacks against New England were the Siege of Pemaquid (1696) and the Raid on Deerfield (1704). The success of the Canadians was underscored during the French and Indian War by George Washington 's defeat at Great Meadows and Edward Braddock 's embarrassment at
3948-418: The Information Management Group is responsible for the conduct of electronic warfare and the protection of the Armed Forces' communications and computer networks. Within the group, this operational role is fulfilled by the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group, headquartered at CFS Leitrim in Ottawa, which operates the following units: the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group Headquarters (CFIOGHQ),
4032-410: The Monongahela River . The British response was to create new "ranger" and "light infantry" units adept at woodland warfare. When France ceded Canada to Great Britain in 1763, defence of the territory remained a duty shared by Canadian and British colonists, Indian nations, and the regular forces of Britain. As the colonies advanced to nationhood, its people were called to their own defence three times in
4116-487: The NATO Airborne Early Warning Force is also based at NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen near Geilenkirchen , Germany. The RCAF and Joint Task Force (North) (JTFN) also maintain at various points throughout Canada's northern region a chain of forward operating locations, each capable of supporting fighter operations. Elements of CF-18 squadrons periodically deploy to these airports for short training exercises or Arctic sovereignty patrols. The Canadian Joint Operations Command
4200-406: The Second World War that was particularly notable to the Canadian military include the Battle of the Atlantic , the Battle of Britain , the Battle of Hong Kong , the Dieppe Raid , the invasion of Sicily and Italy , Operation Overlord , the Siegfried Line Campaign , Operation Veritable , as well as the strategic bombing of German cities . At the end of the Second World War, Canada possessed
4284-413: The United Kingdom entered into conflict with Germany in the First World War , Canadian troops were called to participate in European theatres. Battles that are particularly notable to the Canadian military include the Second Battle of Ypres , the Battle of the Somme , the Battle of Vimy Ridge , the Second Battle of Passchendaele , as well as a series of attacks undertaken by the Canadian Corps during
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#17327728499314368-505: The United Nations (UN), such as the Vietnam War or the 2003 invasion of Iraq . Since the 21st century, Canadian direct participation in UN peacekeeping efforts greatly declined, with its military participation reallocated to UN-sanctioned operations through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Prior to Confederation in 1867, residents of the colonies in what is now Canada served as regular members of French and British forces and in local militia groups . The latter aided in
4452-524: The acquisition of specific equipment (main battle tanks, artillery, unmanned air vehicles and other systems) to support the mission in Afghanistan. It has also encompassed initiatives to renew certain so-called "core capabilities" (such as the air force's medium-range transport aircraft fleet—the C-130 Hercules —and the army's truck and armoured vehicle fleets). In addition, new systems (such as C-17 Globemaster III strategic transport aircraft and CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters) have also been acquired for
4536-446: The colony of Quebec. Companies of Canadian volunteers had to be raised to support the regular troops. Pro-American sympathies were a problem among the anglophone company raised by the Montreal merchants. In November 1775, Governor Carleton organized the defenders of Quebec City to face a siege by the American rebels. British regular troops were few in number. Canadian militia , from both the anglophone and francophone communities, made up
4620-441: The conquest, the Mi'kmaq, Acadian and Maliseet militias continued to fight the British through Father Rale's War , King George's War , and Father Le Loutre's War . The two latter wars saw the arrival Gorham's Rangers , the first British militias established in the colony (the British regulars of the 40th Regiment of Foot was raised in the colony 1720). The Mi'kmaq and Acadian militias continued to fight in Nova Scotia throughout
4704-521: The country's gross domestic product (GDP) — placing it 16th for military expenditure by country . The Canadian Armed Forces are a professional volunteer force that consists of approximately 68,000 active personnel and 27,000 reserve personnel, with a sub-component of approximately 5,000 Canadian Rangers. Canada's peacekeeping role during the 20th century has played a major role in its positive global image. Canada has long been reluctant to participate in military operations that are not sanctioned by
4788-435: The country's integral participation in NATO during the Korean War , First Gulf War , Kosovo War , and in United Nations Peacekeeping operations, such as the Suez Crisis , Golan Heights , Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Libya. Canada maintained an aircraft carrier from 1957 to 1970 during the Cold War, which never saw combat but participated in patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis . The current iteration of
4872-420: The defence of British North America against invasion by the United States. The responsibility for military command remained with the British Crown - in-Council , with a commander-in-chief for North America stationed in Halifax until the final withdrawal of British Army and Royal Navy units from the city in 1906. Thereafter, the Royal Canadian Navy was formed, and, with the advent of military aviation,
4956-550: The defence of Canada from that point forward. Founded in the mid 19th-century, the Fenian Brotherhood was an association of Irish-American veterans of the American Civil War who plotted to gain Ireland independence from British rule by attacking Britain's overseas colonies within striking distance. In response, 20,000 Canadians volunteered for militia service, many from the Orange Order . Several hundred soldiers were quickly deployed from nearby Toronto , many of them coming from The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada . In Hamilton,
5040-417: The defence of their respective territories against attacks by other European powers, Indigenous peoples , and later American forces during the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812 , as well as in the Fenian raids , Red River Rebellion , and North-West Rebellion . Consequently, the lineages of some Canadian Army units stretch back to the late 18th century, when militia units were formed to assist in
5124-434: The development of and participation in peacekeeping during the 20th century led to its reputation as a positive middle power . Canada's successful role in mediating the 1956 Suez Canal Crisis gave it credibility and established it as a country fighting for the common good of all nations. The Canadian public came to identify the nation's peacekeeping role as the country's top contribution in international affairs. In
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#17327728499315208-441: The duties ascribed to the post of commander-in-chief and, since 1905, hold the associated title. All troop deployment and disposition orders, including declarations of war , fall within the royal prerogative and are issued as orders-in-Council , which must be signed by either the monarch or governor general. Under the Westminster system 's parliamentary customs and practices, however, the monarch and viceroy must generally follow
5292-691: The fourth-largest air force and fifth-largest naval surface fleet in the world. Conscription for overseas service was introduced only near the end of the war , and only 2,400 conscripts made it into battle. Originally, Canada was thought to have had the third-largest navy in the world, but with the fall of the Soviet Union , new data based on Japanese and Soviet sources found that to be incorrect. Since 1947, Canadian military units have participated in more than 200 operations worldwide, and completed 72 international operations . Canadian soldiers, sailors, and aviators came to be considered world-class professionals through conspicuous service during these conflicts and
5376-461: The governor of New France and asked to raise militia corps in Trois-Rivières . Until the arrival of the Carignan-Salières Regiment in 1665, militia corps were the only defence of New France. In the long struggle between the French and British colonies, they were organized into companies, usually one per church parish, and structured in the same way as a regular French infantry company. The Governor General, Louis de Buade de Frontenac , arranged during
5460-473: The ground or at sea were still closed to women: infantry, armoured corps, field artillery, air defence artillery, signals, field engineers, and naval operations. On 5 February 1987, the minister of national defence created an office to study the impact of employing men and women in combat units. These trials were called Combat-Related Employment of Women. All military occupations were open to women in 1989, except submarine service, which opened in 2000. Throughout
5544-470: The grouping of various squadrons , both operational and support, under a single tactical commander reporting to the operational commander and vary in size from several hundred personnel to several thousand. Major air bases are in British Columbia , Alberta, Saskatchewan , Manitoba, Ontario , Quebec, Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland and Labrador , while administrative and command and control facilities are in Winnipeg and North Bay . A Canadian component of
5628-561: The highest-ranking commissioned officer in the Armed Forces and its commander. In this role, the CDS heads the Armed Forces Council , which also includes the vice chief of the Defence Staff and the commanders of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Joint Operations Command , Canadian Special Operations Forces Command , as well as certain other designated personnel. The Armed Forces Council generally operates from National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa , Ontario. The sovereign and most other members of
5712-509: The invasion of Afghanistan , and that the military should be stronger, but also that the purpose of the forces should be different, such as more focused on responding to natural disasters . Then Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Walter Natynczyk said later that year that, while recruiting has become more successful, the Forces was facing a problem with its rate of loss of existing members, which increased between 2006 and 2008 from 6% to 9.2% annually. Renewal and re-equipment efforts have resulted in
5796-415: The largest deployment of troops ever to serve on Canadian soil in response to a natural disaster , and the largest operational deployment of Canadian military personnel since the Korean War . The Forces were also deployed to British Columbia from 3 August to 16 September 2003, as a part of Operation Peregrine . The operation was conducted after the province was overwhelmed by 800 separate forest fires, and
5880-415: The majority of the defenders. The militia of Quebec City was divided into two sections in 1775—'Canadian Militia' drawn from the francophone population, and 'British Militia' made up of anglophones. During the siege of Quebec, both were issued with the same uniform: green coat without lapels, with green facings; buff waistcoats and breeches; tricorne hat. The uniforms were drawn from stocks sent from Britain in
5964-404: The next 100 years. Approximate numbers of militiamen in New France in 1759: Until the establishment of Halifax (1749), the militia units in Acadia (present day Nova Scotia and New Brunswick) were primarily Mi'kmaq , Maliseet and Acadian militia . Before the British Conquest of Acadia in 1710, these militias fought the New Englanders in King William's War and Queen Anne's War . After
6048-509: The order of precedence follows: after 2002 there is no sub-division of the Supplementary Reserve. Approximately 26,000 soldiers, sailors, and airmen, trained to the level of and interchangeable with their Regular Force counterparts, and posted to CAF operations or duties on a casual or ongoing basis, make up the Primary Reserve. This group is represented, though not commanded, at NDHQ by the chief of Reserves and Employer Support, who
6132-766: The passing of the Militia Act of 1855 . Passed by the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada , the act created the Active Militia, later referred to as the Permanent Active Militia . After PAM's formation, the remaining sedentary colonial militia regiments were collectively referred to as the Non-Permanent Active Militia (NPAM). The terms PAM and NPAM continued to be used in Canada until 1940, when
6216-561: The period of New France and Acadia , Newfoundland Colony , and Nova Scotia (1605–1763), these militias were made up of Canadiens (French Canadians), First Nations , British and Acadians . Traditionally, the Canadian Militia was the name used for the local sedentary militia regiments throughout the Canadas . However, the term "militia" was also used to refer to the Canadian regular professional land forces, beginning with
6300-417: The provincial government requested federal aid. Over 2,200 soldiers were mobilized, and at its height, more than 2,600 military personnel participated in the 45-day operation. The Constitution of Canada gives the federal government exclusive responsibility for national defence, and expenditures are thus outlined in the federal budget . For the 2007–2010 fiscal year , the amount allocated for defence spending
6384-472: The purchase of new trucks for the Canadian Army, transport aircraft and helicopters for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and joint support ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. In 2008, the Government of Canada began efforts, through the " Canada First Defence Strategy ", to modernize the Forces, through the purchase of new equipment, improved training and readiness, as well as the establishment of
6468-647: The same level of protection and comfort as their male colleagues. Women's uniforms are similar in design to men's uniforms, but conform to the female figure, and are functional and practical. Women are also provided with an annual financial entitlement for the purchase of bras. In 2019, the National Post columnist Christie Blatchford reported, per an anonymous source, that the CAF had been fulfilling employment equity targets for internal job postings by secretly rejecting applications from white males, and by not requiring Indigenous candidates to either write or pass,
6552-661: The seeds of nationhood in their victories and their sacrifices, while their allies, the Indian nations, saw their hopes for secure boundaries of their own vanish. The militia were actively engaged in the Rebellions of 1837–1838, as well as the aftermath of the Patriot War , which involved American groups invading the Canadas, such as the Battle of the Windmill . In 1855, the Parliament of the Province of Canada passed
6636-553: The summer of 1775 for a proposed but never raised corps of Canadian light infantry. In the aftermath of the American Revolutionary came an exodus of 40,000 Loyalists into the Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, joined by many of the Six Nations Iroquois who had remained loyal to the United Kingdom. Since many of the new Canadians were also veterans of Loyalist regiments, they brought both
6720-472: The top brass. Since then, the CAF has been under pressure over allegations of sexual misconduct. Former justice Louise Arbour , who was tasked to lead a probe into military harassment and sexual misconduct claims in CAF in 2021, issued 48 recommendations to change the culture of the CAF. She said that she saw no basis for the CAF to retain the jurisdiction over sexual offences as it has not improved efficiency, discipline and morale. The Crown has long occupied
6804-480: The upper Great Lakes. In the east, the French Canadians fought a crucial battle at Châteauguay , south of Montreal. With only a force of Canadian regulars and militia supported by allied Indians, de Salaberry turned back a larger column of Americans advancing on Montreal. Brock died a Canadian hero as he repelled the American landing at the Battle of Queenston Heights and Tecumseh was later killed at
6888-539: The west coast, and Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) at CFB Halifax on the east coast, as well as one formation: the Naval Reserve Headquarters (NAVRESHQ) at Quebec City , Quebec. The fleet is augmented by various aircraft and supply vessels. The RCN participates in NATO exercises and operations, and ships are deployed all over the world in support of multinational deployments. The Canadian Army
6972-660: The world. As of 2013, the Canadian Forces have 68,000 Regular Force members and 27,000 reservists , bringing the total force to approximately 95,000. These individuals serve on numerous Canadian Forces bases in all regions of the country and are governed by the Queen's Regulations and Orders and the National Defence Act . The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), headed by the commander of the Royal Canadian Navy , includes 28 warships and submarines deployed in two fleets: Maritime Forces Pacific (MARPAC) at CFB Esquimalt on
7056-517: Was CA$ 6.15 billion which is 1.4 percent of the country's GDP. This regular funding was augmented in 2005 with an additional CA$ 12.5 billion over five years, as well as a commitment to increasing regular force troop levels by 5,000 persons, and the primary reserve by 4,500 over the same period. It was further augmented in 2010, with another CA$ 5.3 billion over five years being provided to allow for 13,000 more regular force members, and 10,000 more primary reserve personnel, as well as CA$ 17.1 billion for
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