J7 Doctrine Web Site

What is Doctrine?

Joint Doctrine from a CF Perspective

1. Doctrine is defined as the "fundamental principles by which military forces guide their actions in support of objectives. It is authoritative but requires judgment in application." In general, doctrine describes the factors involved and provides the broad "how" to plan and execute operations or military activities. While doctrine is guidance and not mandatory, departure from guidance should normally be undertaken only after doctrine has been considered in light of the particular circumstances of an operation, and the doctrine is found to be wanting in some respect. Such a departure should be taken as an indicator that the doctrine itself requires amendment.
2. Whenever elements of the CF are required to operate in the same theatre or area of operations in support of the same national strategic objective, they operate under a joint structure using internationally recognized joint terminology. The CF requires well developed and clearly understood CF joint doctrine to underpin these multi-environment operations as environmental doctrine does not provide adequate guidance for the employment of military forces when elements of two or more environments are required to cooperate.
3. It is CF policy that our doctrine, both joint and single-service, should be consistent to the maximum extent possible with the doctrine of our principal allies. Doctrinal interoperability with the United States is therefore a primary goal of CF doctrine development. Interoperability with NATO doctrine is also a goal of CF doctrine development as Canada will follow NATO doctrine when conducting operations or exercises under NATO control. It is also highly desirable that CF doctrine development be done in cognizance of the doctrine of the UK and Australia due to similarities in force structures, basic laws and tradition.
4. The successful conduct of joint or multinational operations requires clearly understood doctrine that is applicable across all services and levels of military activities. The development of sound doctrine is important to:
1. Planning and conducting operations and exercises, particularly for those that involve activities for which the CF may not have broad or in-depth experience. Even for those activities that are conducted regularly, adherence to doctrine can expedite planning and execution, help to ensure that no pertinent factors are overlooked, and enhance interoperability and common understanding among units; and
2. Developing training objectives and standards.
5. Applicable Canadian and international laws, Government of Canada policy, and Defence policy are predominant in terms of CF doctrine. CF doctrine shall always be consistent with these laws and policies. CF doctrine can be developed and promulgated in advance of or in the absence of policy but must be modified, as required, when policy is promulgated.
6. Canadian Forces doctrine provides guidance for and is applicable only to the Canadian Forces.