CANADIAN ARMED FORCES

The Canadian Forces (CF) consist of the land, sea and air forces, as well as communication and training services. Canadian armed forces’ personnel is divided into non-commissioned members and officers. The institution’s structure is composed of five components: the Regular Force, Reserve Force, Supplementary Reserve, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, and the Canadian Rangers. Canadian Rangers acts as militia and guides on site in three Canadian territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon, Nunavut). The Canadian Forces are manned on a professional basis. Canadian forces are based across Canada and in Europe. Their main task is to protect the sovereignty and security of Canada. Since 1957, a joint Canada and U.S. agency called the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is charged to ensure the air sovereignty of North America by controlling and managing commercial and private aircrafts. Moreover, for several years already, Canada takes part in the Missile Defense Shield project aimed at defending the North America against ballistic missiles attacks. There is a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). In recent years, participation of the armed forces in peacekeeping operations under the auspices of the UN has increased.

The Canadian Forces will continue to protect the sovereignty and security of Canada and defend freedom, democracy and human rights worldwide. Despite its small numbers, the CF showed its effectiveness, and many NATO countries would like to conduct a joint training in Canada, as extensive training camps allow to to simulate real battle situations for land and air forces. Today, the technical equipment of the Canadian Forces is one of the best in the world and is not limited to Light Armored Vehicle III (LAVIII) and upgraded combat aircraft CF-18 fighter jet, Navy’s Halifax-class frigates.

The CF recruit both men and women. Officers of the Army, Navy and Air Forces receive their training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School and some of them, additionally graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada (Ontario). Upon graduation, they are allocated across the country for further service. Non-commissioned members also receive their basic training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. (Quebec), then continue their education in the military schools.

There is no difference between soldiers and non-commissioned officers. Every soldier begins with the lowest military rank and upon necessary qualities he/she may complete the service with the rank of Adjutant General (the highest rank for a non-officer military). The Canadian Forces are manned on a professional basis, and provide career opportunities, offering about 100 various military occupations and professions.