News Release

New Canadian Forces Operational Commands Take Charge of Domestic, Special and International Operations

NR–06.002 - January 31, 2006

OTTAWA – In a ceremony presided over this morning by General Rick Hillier, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), command of all CF operations was transferred from the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (DCDS) to Canada Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and Canadian Operational Support Command. The new commands assume management of and responsibility for all operations as of February 1, while the DCDS Group dissolves on the same date.

The changes are the result of CF transformation – a change process designed to make Canada's military more relevant, responsive and effective.

“CF Transformation is based on meeting the threats of a new security environment therefore operational effectiveness is at its heart,” said Gen Hillier. “It is built on lessons learned by CF members who have cut their teeth on operations. Their collective, integrated efforts will have considerably more operational impact.”

New Canadian Forces Operational Commands:

Canada Command (Canada COM) , commanded by Vice Admiral J.Y. Forcier, is responsible for all domestic and continental operations.

Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM) , commanded by Major General Michel Gauthier, is responsible for all international operations.

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) , commanded by Colonel David Barr, is responsible for all special forces operations.

Canadian Operational Support Command (CANOSCOM) , commanded by Brigadier General Daniel Benjamin, is responsible for providing support to the operational commands including but not limited to logistic, engineering, health services, communications, and military police support, etc.

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