Background Information
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM)
Canadian Forces Transformation - From Vision to Mission
The operational transformation of the Canadian Forces will focus on the establishment of new joint organizations and combat structures that can meet the Government’s expectations for effectiveness, relevance and responsiveness. A key element of this transformation is the creation of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) that is capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world.
CANSOFCOM is composed of Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the Canadian Forces’ special operations and counter-terrorism unit; the Joint Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Defence Company, the Canadian Special Operations Regiment; and 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron. CANSOFCOM provides the CDS and operational commanders agile, high readiness Special Operations Forces (SOF) capable of conducting special operations across the spectrum of conflict at home and abroad. 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.
Colonel David Barr was named the first Commander of CANSOFCOM and has responsibility for the SOF transformation initiative.
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command will help ensure the Canadian Forces are more:
- relevant in the new international security environment, by providing a force better suited to adapt its capabilities and force structure to deal with threats that arise from the kind of instability found in failed and failing states around the world;
- responsive by enhancing their ability to act quickly in the event of international crises. The CF will arrive on the scene faster, move more effectively within theatre, and increase it’s capability to sustain deployments; and
- effective by providing the ability to deploy the right mix of forces - maritime, land, air and special operations - to the right place at the right time, in order to produce the desired result.
