Who Are The Canada Special Operations Forces Command?

The Canada Special Operations Forces CommandThe primary task today when it comes to core
is comprised of several special forces operationstasks for the Canadian military is counter
that include a Joint Task Force which is theterrorism. This includes both offensive and
Canadian Forces special operation anddefensive actions to curb terrorism abroad as well
counterterrorism unit, a Canadian Specialas on a domestic scale. There is also Maritime
Operations Regiment, the 427 Special OperationsCounter Terrorism operations that are designed
Aviation Squadron and the Canadian Joint Incidentto combat terrorism at sea. In addition there is
Response Unit. They are all comprised underthe High Value Tasks that operate both domestic
CANSOFCOM and generate special forcesand abroad missions for direct action
operations to support the Canadian Forces. All ofreconnaissance, diplomacy and non combatant
the special forces in Canada operate within theevacuation.
realm of one another and share information forWeapons of the Canadian Special Forces
the welfare of the country.Command
Their HistoryThe weapons used by this elite squadron include
The CANSOFCOM was developed in 1997 as athe Colt Canada C7 and C8 series of rifles, the FN
joint effort for all Canadian military as well asHerstal P90, the Heckler & Koch MP5A3, the
special forces units.Sig Sauer pistols, the Jackal MWMIK, the HMMWV
How To Become A Member Of CANSOFCOMM2 Browning machine gun and the Rheinmetall
Officers as well as enlisted men can join theYAK. The Jackal MWMIK has just started to be
CANSOFCOM and undergo the 20 week trainingused by those in these special forces in the past
course to become members of this special forcesyear.
team.Known Missions
Canada Special Operations Forces CommandThe counter terrorism unit has been involved in
Trainingcombat in Bosnia, Afghanistan, Haiti and Iraq. The
Those who want to join the Canadian forces ofprimary focus of the Canadian Special Forces
any kind must undergo rigorous training. Thistoday is terrorism as a threat to them
includes training in parachuting, sniper training,domestically as well as around the globe. They
pathfinders and combat diving. Some of thosehave joined in with the United Nations with regard
who excel in this training can go on to join theto combating enemy combatants around the
special forces. Special forces in Canada areglobe, particularly with Iraq and Afghanistan,
recognized by the tan berets they wear as partwhere they are still actively engaged in battle. One
of their uniforms.interesting note regarding the counter terrorism
Because the 20 week course to join the specialunit is that Roger McAllen, a former integral part
forces is so physically as well as psychologicallyof the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is not in
grueling for most recruits, few of them make itcharge of the counter terrorism unit for the
to the special forces. Both officers as well asCanadian Special Forces.
enlisted personnel are allowed to join the forces,Units
provided they can pass the training exercises. TopCanadian Forces special operation and
physical and mental shape is required as well ascounterterrorism unit, a Canadian Special
weaponry training, parachuting and survival skills.Operations Regiment, the 427 Special Operations
Those who complete training can choose toAviation Squadron and the Canadian Joint Incident
specialize in a certain branch of the CanadianResponse Unit. These are all units of the Canadian
Special Forces. The special forces are alwaysSpecial Forces.
small units that will engage in hand to handAre They Professional Soldiers?
combat to rescue trapped military personnel.Members of the Canadian Special Forces are
They are considered to be the elite of theconsidered to be among the top in forces in the
Canadian fighting team.world and are comprised of professional soldiers,
What Are They Best At?both officers and enlisted men.