I.

Introduction

Canadian Forces, military forces responsible for defending Canada’s borders and protecting its citizens against harm. The Canadian Forces (CF) also represents Canada in international military operations and peacekeeping initiatives under the direction of the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and other multinational bodies.

In 1968 Canada’s army, navy, and air force unified into a single entity—the Canadian Forces—with common entry and basic training systems. Approximately 60,000 men and women comprise the CF’s regular force. An additional 30,000 women and men serve part-time in the reserve force. The CF is the only officially unified national armed service in the world. Its three basic components, Land Forces Command, Maritime Command, and Air Command, work together to provide a full range of military operations. Many CF personnel, such as soldiers with special training in logistics, medicine, food services, or communications, move freely from one component to another. Others remain part of their original command. For example, all pilots remain part of Air Command, even those who fly from ships.

The governor-general of Canada is the commander in chief of the CF, although in practice command is exercised by the federal cabinet. The minister of National Defence, acting on the governor-general’s behalf, manages and directs the CF from the joint civilian and military National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. The CF chief of staff acts as senior military commander, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the CF. The deputy chief of staff coordinates military operations in conjunction with the chiefs of the Maritime, Land, and Air Commands.