Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is responsible for all special forces operations that will be capable of responding to terrorism and threats to Canadians and Canadian interests around the world.

Composition

CANSOFCOM is composed of:

* Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2), the Canadian Forces’ special operations and counterterrorism unit
* Canadian Special Operations Regiment
* 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron

* Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU)

CANSOFCOM is capable of operating as an independent formation but its primary focus is to generate Special Operations Forces (SOF) elements to support Canada Command (CANCOM) and the Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM). 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.

Commanding officers

Colonel David Barr, CD, was the Commander of CANSOFCOM from its formation to 2007.

Colonel D. Michael Day, CD is the current Commander Canadian Special Operations Forces Command .

Uniform

All members of CANSOFCOM wear the tan beret regardless of environment (sea, land or air) with their former branch/unit cap badges.

Other elite

Canadian Forces members undergo rigorous training of a variety of types; these soldiers are not necessarily employed in "special forces" roles. Some of this specialized training includes Army snipers, parachutists, pathfinders, and combat divers, as well as foreign training such as Ranger training with the US Army Rangers. Many soldiers who have received such training utilize these skill sets in regular combat arms units, and are not considered "special forces".

ee also

* Canadian Forces
* Canadian Expeditionary Force Command
* Canada Command
* Devil's Brigade
* The Canadian Airborne Regiment

References

External links

* [http://www.cansofcom.forces.gc.ca/en/index_e.asp Official CANSOFCOM Webpage.]
* [http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/view_news_e.asp?id=1851 "New Canadian Forces Operational Commands Take Charge of Domestic, Special and International Operations," DND News Release, January 31, 2006]
* [http://www.cds.forces.gc.ca/cft-tfc/00native/FINAL%20BackgrounderSOG_130905_e.doc "Special Operations Group (SOG) Canadian Forces Transformation – From Vision to Mission," Final Backgrounder from the Chief of the Defence Staff, September 13, 2005]
* [http://www.parl.gc.ca/39/1/parlbus/commbus/senate/com-e/defe-e/44294-e.htm?Language=E&Parl=39&Ses=1&comm_id=76 The Standing Committee on National Security and Defence Evidence, November 20, 2006]