1st SFOD-D nu au insemne distinctive. Pe maneca stanga a vestonului uniformei clasa A (care ocicum va fi inlocuita de Army Service Uniform) se poarta aceasta emblema, care este de fapt insemnul USASOC (US Army Special Operations Command):
Acvest tip de emblema, conceput de membrii unitatii, nu a fost adoptat oficial niciodata:
Daca nu sufeream de lene,faceam eu un astfel de topic.Ca un spectator in tribuna,comentez si eu ca daca tot ai tema pe America de Nord,e mai cuprinzator si mai aproape de realitatile politice si militare sa fie pt. ABCA(America,Britain,Canada,Australia).Pe multi i-am auzit spunand ca de fapt,cand vine vorba de facut ceva la modul serios,NATO=ABCA.Structurile militare sunt pregatite cam la aceleasi standarde,integrarea e la un nivel avansat(de ex. un ofiter canadian va prelua comanda unei unitati americane daca rangul sau e superior ofiterului american cel mai inalt in grad)etc... Ca tot aminteam de dezastrele yankeilor,sa incepem cu unul din cele mai recente:operatiunea Redwing LINK .Cartea singurului supravietuitor,Marcus Luttrell,face toti banii,desi ca pt. orice memorii care nu pot fi verificate,anumite semne de intrebare apar.
Un articol al maiorului John Gant,SF.Cum se indeplineste o misiune clasica a SF.E de remarcat ca parte din principiile care au stat la baza succesului SF se regasesc in strategia COIN a generalului McChrystal. p.s Ce as fi eu curios sa aflu este in ce masura autoritatile centrale afgane(si reprezentantii lor in teritoriu) sunt date la o parte(cu toata deferenta,desigur).Pt. ca e clar ca aia sunt in cel mai bun caz un obstacol.In cel mai rau... Adevarul este ca fara o legatura directa intre autoritatile tribale(sfatul batranilor) si militarii vestici nu se va face nimic bun. one_tribe_at_a_time.pdf
Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, mort la 3 octombrie 1993 in Mogadishu
Este vorba, aici, de Sergeant First Class Randall Shughart, mort, alaturi de Gary Gordon, in aceeasi misiune in care au salvat viata pilotului Michael Durant. Iata-i impreuna in fotografia de mai jos:
Cei care urmeaza au murit in Irak incepand cu 2003. Detalii privind biografia lor pot fi aflate in pdf-urile de mai jos:
Cel din imaginea de deasupra este Master Sergeant Ivica Jerak, croat inrolat in armata americana, devenit operator Delta.
Lieutenant General William Boykin (1992-1994) Un Patton ca temperament, dar animat de fervoare religioasa Biografie: LINK
Colonel Bernard McCabe (1994-1996) Biografie: LINK Ca ofiter, are una dintre cele mai indelungate, daca nu cea mai indelungata cariera din SFOD-D -19 ani !
Major general Eldon Bargewell (1996-1998)
Primul comandant 1st SFOD-D care si-a inceput cariera ca simplu soldat; a luptat ca sergent in Fortele Speciale in Viet Nam. Biografie: LINK
Major General Garry Harrell (1998-2000)
Biografie: LINK A participat in decembrie 1989, ca maior si comandant de troop, la operatiunea "Acid Gambit" in Panama, in urma careia a fost salvat Kurt Muse.
Cateva cuvinte care dau seama de intelepciunea acestui batran comandant: LINK
Brigadier General James Schwitters (2000-2002) Biografie: LINK
Elite force operates in Kandahar shadows If you hear about JTF2, something's gone wrong
Published On Fri Feb 26 2010
OTTAWA–There are facts – few and far between – about the exploits of JTF2 in Afghanistan and then there are the long, dark shadows.
The unknown is as black as the operations that Canada's premier counterterrorist force conducts in Afghanistan. The facts, relayed by Col. Bernd Horn, former deputy commander of the military wing that runs Joint Task Force Two, are shocking to the uninitiated.
"Few realize Canadian (special operation forces) personnel have removed an entire generation of Taliban leadership in Kandahar, many of whom were responsible for the deaths of Canadian service personnel," he wrote in the Canadian Military Journal.
"For individuals who have no understanding of special operation forces, that they exist, how they operate, what they do ... sure it is (a surprise)," Horn said in an interview Thursday from Kingston, where he is now a professor at the Canadian Defence Academy.
JTF2, which originally trained for hostage rescue and stealth missions at a base outside Ottawa, has been working alongside British, American, German and other special operation teams since the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.
Its elite soldiers were honoured by former U.S. president George W. Bush in 2004 for heroism. Along with U.S. Navy SEALs, Delta Force and other nations attached to Task Force K-Bar they killed more than 100 Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters over six months and destroyed training camps.
"The warriors of ... Task Force K-Bar established an unprecedented 100 per cent mission success rate across a broad spectrum of special operations under extremely difficult and constantly dangerous conditions," the commendation read.
But if JTF2 makes it into the news, it often means something has gone wrong. A 2002 photograph showing members of the unit exiting a U.S. military airplane with Afghan detainees is one such example. Then-prime minister Jean Chrétien's Liberal government had denied Canadian soldiers were even taking prisoners at the time.
As reported in the Star Thursday, another problem occurred in the winter of 2007 when three of four detainees captured by JTF2 could not be found by the International Committee of the Red Cross, which was tasked with investigating prisoners' well-being. The incident is contained in censored government documents that are at the centre of the Afghan detainee saga.
In early 2007, a contingent of Canadian special forces was operating from the former compound of Taliban cleric Mullah Omar west of Kandahar city. Canadians knew the base as Graceland but it was better known by its U.S. name of Camp Gecko or Firebase Maholic.
Apart from U.S., Canadian and other international special forces, the base is believed to house CIA officers and, some suspect, Canadian spies who operate in Kandahar.
Sean Maloney, a historian at the Royal Military College, said the difficulty as an academic is sorting out whether the rank-and-file army or the secretive work of JTF2 should get credit for battlefield victories.
"This is spy-versus-spy stuff," he said. "There's two wars. There's the conventional war and there's the shadow war and they intersect."
Horn says the strategic boost that special operation forces have provided to the Canadians in Kandahar is like an "invisible hand."
"You don't hear about them. However, they are having a dramatic effect in the operational theatre."
Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2) Welcome to Joint Task Force Two
Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2) is the Canadian Forces (CF) Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit responsible for a broad range of missions, which could include counter-terrorism operations and armed assistance to other government departments. This mandate was inherited from the Special Emergency Response Team of the RCMP, who maintained this responsibility from 1986 until 1993, at which time the federal government transferred the role to the CF. Mission
JTF 2 is responsible for providing to Canada a force capable of rendering armed assistance in the resolution of an issue or a potential issue that affects national security. While JTF 2’s primary role is counter-terrorism, its personnel can be employed in any type of military operations, which include, but are not limited to, surveillance, security advice and close personal protection.
Background Information
Canadians served with distinction in several types of Allied Special Forces units during the Second World War. One such unit was the legendary U.S. and Canadian combined 1st Special Service Force or, as it was commonly known, "the Devil's Brigade." It achieved a sterling combat record despite overwhelming odds. While tactics, weapons and technology have changed, today's JTF 2 soldiers are perpetuating the basic qualities that define such units.
JTF 2 was created on April 1, 1993, when the Canadian Forces (CF) accepted responsibility for federal counter-terrorism operations from the RCMP. Since its inception, the unit has continuously evolved to meet modern-day threats. As the events of 11 September 2001 have shown, the threat of terrorism comes from an elusive, sophisticated and determined enemy. In order to maintain an edge in this operational environment, JTF 2 is continuously developing new capabilities, technologies, and tactics.
The year 2001 marked an important milestone in the history of JTF 2. The unit was committed to the international Special Operations Forces coalition in Afghanistan, completing its operations there in November 2002. This deployment was the first time JTF 2 was used in a major combat role outside Canada. The unit played a critical role in coalition Special Operations Forces and earned the respect of Canada’s allies for its professionalism.
Unit Accountability
JTF 2 is a unit of the CF and is subject to exactly the same code of conduct, military discipline and overriding Criminal Code statutes as any other military unit. Due to the strategic nature of its operations, the unit answers directly to the Commander of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. This allows for very timely command and control, access to strategic intelligence, and the oversight considered essential for military operations undertaken to meet national objectives. The Commander Canadian Special Operations Forces is accountable to the Chief of the Defence Staff who, in turn, is responsible to the Minister of National Defence.
Like other units of the CF, JTF 2 follows Rules Of Engagements (ROE) authorized by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Its members are entitled to the same support and health services as other service members, they are accountable to the military and civilian justice systems, and they must follow the same regulations and orders as the rest of the CF. Like any other CF unit, internal oversight bodies such as the Chief of Review Services, the Military Police Complaints Commission, the Pay and Allowances Review Board, the Access to Information Office and the CF Ombudsman all have access to JTF 2, if required, to carry out their duties.
Security
JTF 2 is subject to very stringent security procedures in order to protect the unit and its mission. Indeed, the type of operations assigned to JTF 2 naturally captures the interest of the public but there are many risks involved with information disclosure. The CF recognizes the need to inform Canadians about the measures put in place by their Government to protect them against the threat of terrorism. Since its creation, JTF 2 has conducted numerous capability demonstrations for appropriate authorities that need to be aware of unit capabilities as part of their position or appointment. Such audiences include the CF chain of command, Members of Parliament, government officials and police authorities. The Government has also informed Canadians about JTF 2 by notifying the public about its creation in 1992, its expansion following 11 September 2001, the JTF 2 commitment to Afghanistan in 2001 and 2005, awarding of the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation to unit members and by responding to media questions about the unit within the limits of the security policy. However, being open and transparent about certain aspects of the unit could seriously compromise the effectiveness of Canada's counter-terrorism capability. History has shown only too clearly that terrorist organizations will use information about a unit's personnel, weapons, tactics and procedures to great effect by modifying their methodologies to counter the very forces designed to defeat them.
JTF 2 has established itself as a well-regarded Special Operations Forces unit. It has done so over its short history because of the outstanding quality and ability of its members, its proven operational effectiveness and its stringent operational security policy. This reputation has allowed the unit to develop strong relationships with its allied Special Operations Forces counterparts, relationships built on trust and confidence. These relationships assist JTF 2 in providing the best possible counter-terrorism defence for Canada. The CF security policy for JTF 2 is primarily based on Canada's situation, and is designed to safeguard information sharing and most importantly to protect Canada's counter-terrorist capability.
The Future
The Federal Budget of December 2001 allocated approximately $120 million over six years to expand unit capabilities, as part of the Government of Canada's overall plan to enhance security for Canadians following the attacks of 11 September 2001. Since then the unit has embarked on a program of expansion and capability enhancement while at the same time maintaining its high operational and training standards.
JTF 2 must be ready to respond immediately to any task assigned by the chain of command at home or abroad. The unit maintains the highest operational readiness standards in order to defend Canada against terrorism. On land, at sea and in the air JTF 2 challenges itself to ensure it's ready to defeat a multitude of potential threats. Canadians can take great comfort in the knowledge that as an integral part of Canada's Special Operations Forces community, JTF 2 stands on guard 24 hours a day to defend Canadians, and Canadian interests at home and abroad.
The Ideal Candidate
The strength of JTF 2, like any CF unit, lies in the quality of its personnel. JTF 2 personnel are often placed in situations where their lives or the lives of others are at stake, and as such, the consequences of selecting the wrong person for service with JTF 2 can be grave. Personal attributes that contribute most to success at JTF 2 are:
* A high level of maturity in both one’s professional and personal life; * Excellent overall fitness, agility and reflexes; * The ability to work independently and as a member of a team; * The ability to communicate effectively; and * A high degree of dedication and determination.
Categories of Personnel
The unit is comprised of various categories of personnel:
* Special Operations Assaulters (SOA) are personnel of the Regular Force (Ref F) who are directly employed in the tactical aspects of special operations and other high value tasks; * Special Operations Coxswain (SO Cox'n) who are selected from the NCM Regular (Reg) and Reserve (Res) Force (F) occupations to fulfil JTF 2 requirements of Coxswains (SO Cox’n); and * Support Personnel (SP) and Specialists (Spec) are personnel who are selected from Reg and Res Force MOS to fulfil JTF 2 requirements in Staff Officer, support, and specialist positions.
Special Operations Assaulters (SOA)
Special Operations Assaulters are responsible for conducting a wide variety of Special Operations and counter-terrorism tasks such as hostage rescue operations, special operations patrols, surveillance, offensive actions, and close personal protection. In order to be fully prepared to work in all types of environments when deployed on operation, JTF 2 personnel train extremely hard in world-class facilities.
In order to be ready to carry out their taskings, Special Operations Assaulters must possess physical strength and stamina as well as mental endurance. They must function well in team settings, demonstrate maturity, assume responsibility well beyond that normally expected of them in a traditional CF role, be able to exercise integrity and honesty, and be emotionally stable.
The SOA category is open to Regular and Reserve Force volunteers of both genders belonging to any MOS and may range in rank from Pte/AB to WO/PO1, and Lt/SLt to Capt/Lt(N). Sgt and WO will have to relinquish their rank to the rank of MCpl/MS upon completion of the Special Operation Assaulter Course (SOAC). Regular Force personnel must be MOS qualified and have a minimum of two (2) years of service. Reservists must be MOS qualified, have a minimum of three (3) years service, and be prepared to complete a component transfer to the Reg F and commit to an initial four (4) year period of service on completion of the Special Operations Assaulter Course (SOAC). Reserve Force officers must be fully MOS qualified to Reg F standards and are required to forward a resume and a copy of their Primary Reserve Record Resume (PRRR) to the JTF 2 Recruiting NCO prior to applying for a SOA position in order to screen for eligibility. All applicants require a minimum medical category of 322225.
Although Base or Wing PSOs (B/WPSO) screen CF volunteers on a continuous basis, a CANFORGEN is promulgated each year that announces the cut-off date for applications.
Special Operations Coxswain
The Special Operations Coxswain (SO Cox’n) is now open to NCM and Officer. The primary responsibility of the SO Cox’n is to operate the units’ boats and Special Operations Craft (SOC) in open ocean environments during maritime counter-terrorism operations and training, under adverse conditions and with minimal supervision.
SO Cox’n employment is very challenging and extremely demanding. Coxswains spend a considerable portion of their time away, training to improve their abilities to maneuver and maintain high-speed boats in order to support JTF 2 maritime operations. SO Coxn’s also must develop their shooting and insertion skills.
In light of the above-mentioned responsibilities, SO Cox’ns must possess physical strength and stamina to fulfill their mandate. They must be resistant to motion/sea sickness, have no fear of heights, water, or confined spaces, have good hand/eye coordination, and be emotionally stable.
This specialty is open to both genders of any MOS, ranging in rank from Pte/AB to Sgt/PO2 and Lt/Slt to Capt/Lt(N). Regular Force personnel must be MOS qualified and have a minimum of two years of service. Reservists must have a minimum of three (3) years service, and be prepared to commit to a four (4) year period of service upon completion of the Special Operations Craft Course (SOCC). All SO Cox’n applicants require a minimum medical category of 322225.
Note: The SO Cox’n position is only open on an as-required basis. When more specialists are required, the announcement will be made through the promulgation of a CANFORGEN.
Support Personnel (SP) and Specialists
JTF 2 also employs Officers and NCMs from a variety of occupations to support daily operations and in specialists’ positions.
In addition, Combat Storeman and Squadron Quartermaster positions are open to Combat Arms MOS and Regimental Police positions are available to applicants from any occupation at the rank of Cpl/MCpl.
A variety of positions for officer applicants are also open on an as-required basis. Interested personnel should contact the Support Recruiting NCO for more information on those positions available each year, as this is not promulgated in the yearly CANFORGEN.
SP and Spec positions are open to both genders of any MOS listed above. At a minimum, NCMs must have their QL5 qualification in their current MOS. Applications from Sig Op, Sup Tech and RMS Clk will be accepted from candidates who have completed QL3 in their current occupation and be of the rank of Pte(T). MP must have completed QL3 and PEP to be eligible. Officers (Reg and Res) must be fully qualified to Reg F standards in their current MOS. All SP and Spec applicants must meet the required medical standards for their current MOS.
Selection Update
***Due to operational requirements, members with a criminal record must receive a pardon prior to applying to JTF2. Special Operations Assaulter
Traditionally, JTF2 has conducted its Assaulter selection in the Fall with the Special Operations Assaulter Course (SOAC) being held in Jan of the following year.
Henceforth, JTF2 will conduct its Assaulter selection during the Apr-May timeframe (exact dates TBA). The SOAC will be held from Sep of the same year to Jun of the following year in order to better synchronize with the CF’s APS.
The first spring selection will be held in Apr - May 2010. Applications for phase III, Assaulter selection, must be received by the JTF2 Recruiting and Selection NLT 5 Mar 2010.
The SOAC course originally scheduled for Jan - Oct 2010 will now be held Sep 2010 - Jun 2011. Special Operations Coxwain
Selection will be held 9 -15 Apr 2010.
The course will be held 18 Apr to 31 Jul 2010.
Applications for phase III, Cox’n, must be received by the JTF2 Recruiting and Selection NLT 5 Mar 2010. Support and Specialist Positions
All members selected for specialist positions and all deployable support personnel within JTF2 will be required to complete conduct after capture (CAC) training as well as a unit indoctrination course which will further assess the member’s suitability to serve with JTF2.
All other support personnel will be required to complete the unit indoctrination course.
Special Operations Assaulter Selection Process
Applicants for employment as Special Operations Assaulters must be prepared to complete a rigorous screening and training process. This is comprised of four (4) phases:
Phase I: Members apply at the unit level through their chain of command completing both the Application for Service with JTF 2 form, which includes a verification of their medical category as well as a signature from their Adjt/XO/AdminO that authorizes the applicant to proceed with the selection process, and the Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Information form. These application forms are also available through the B/WPSO.
Phase II: Applicants must successfully complete the JTF 2 physical fitness test and the CF Swim Test administered by PSP staff. A JTF 2 physical fitness-training program has been developed and is available at PSP offices. It is strongly recommended that interested members follow this program, as recent unit research confirmed that those who adhere to the program generally enjoy greater levels of success. In addition, upon successful completion of the physical fitness test, members must contact the B/WPSO’s office in order to undergo a screening process, which includes completing a cognitive ability test and a selection interview with the B/WPSO to assess attributes identified as being critical for JTF 2 applicants.
Phase III: Members who are invited to attend Phase III selection undergo a seven-day assessment process designed to assess whether candidates are likely to succeed during the SOAC, and to assess if they possess the personal attributes required for employment with JTF 2. The process is very demanding and pushes candidates to their physical and mental limits. Candidates are assessed on numerous criteria, which include: physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic); performing effectively at heights, in water and in confined spaces; working as a member of a team; problem solving; and interpersonal skills. Assessments are conducted in high stress tactical settings to assess an applicant’s ability to recall directions, identify and react to threats, handle weapons safely, and make decisions under physical and mental duress.
Officer Selection: Officers are required to successfully complete the initial seven-day assessment process and an additional three-day session, which is designed to assess the members’ organizational, analytical, communication, and presentation skills.
Phase IV: Special Operator's Assaulter Course (SOAC). Service
Successful JTF 2 applicants will attend a SOAC that is approximately seven months long. Following successful completion of the SOAC, members can expect to serve with the unit for an indeterminate period. A recently implemented “Managed Specialty” now allows for assaulters to sign on in that capacity after a three-year journeymen period (SOAC plus two years), have their career managed by the JTF 2 Career Manager and follow a specific assaulter career progression model. Special Operations Assaulters receive a monthly productivity award in addition to the same financial benefits as other CF members. Job Skills
An entry-level Assaulter may be expected to employ various skills that include:
* Proficient and safe handling of a variety of civilian and military weapons; * Proficient and safe handling of a variety of explosives which include basic and breaching charges; * Operating a variety of communications equipment; * Providing an initial response to various casualty victims; * Performing fieldcraft, patrolling and navigation; * Working as a member of a team to perform insertion and extraction drills using land, sea and air equipment; and * Performing fast rope and rappelling descents.
Note: Junior officers will become proficient in Assaulter skills and, in addition, will be responsible for leading tactical groupings.
Special Operations Coxswain Selection Process
Applicants for employment as SO Cox’n must be prepared to complete a rigorous screening and training process. This is comprised of four (4) phases:
Phase I: Members apply at the unit level through their chain of command completing both the Application for Service with JTF 2 form, which includes a verification of their medical category as well as a signature from their Adjt/XO/AdminO that authorizes the applicant to proceed with the selection process, and the Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Information form. These application forms are also available through the B/WPSO.
Phase II: Applicants must successfully complete the appropriate JTF 2 Physical Fitness Test and the CF Swim Test administered by PSP staff. A JTF 2 physical fitness-training program has been developed and is available at PSP offices. It is strongly recommended that interested members follow this program. Upon successful completion of the physical fitness test, members must contact the B/WPSO’s office in order to undergo a screening process, which includes completing a cognitive ability test and a selection interview with the B/WPSO to assess attributes identified as being critical for JTF 2 applicants.
Phase III: Members who are invited to attend SO Cox’n selection undergo a four-day assessment process designed to determine whether candidates are likely to succeed during the SOCC, and to assess if they possess the personal attributes required for employment with JTF 2. The process is very demanding and pushes candidates to their physical and mental limits. Candidates are assessed on numerous criteria, including, physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic), performing effectively at heights, in water and in confined spaces, working as a member of a team, emotional stability, interpersonal skills and boat handling. Assessments are conducted in high stress tactical settings to assess an applicant’s ability to recall directions, handle watercraft, and make decisions under physical and mental duress.
Phase IV: Special Operations Craft Course (SOCC). Service
Successful SO Cox’n applicants will attend a SOCC that is approximately three (3) months in duration. Following successful completion of training, members can expect that their initial tour length to be a fixed four (4) year posting. SO Cox’ns receive a monthly productivity award in addition to the same financial benefits as other CF members. Job Skills
An entry-level SO Cox’n may be expected to employ various skills that include:
* Preparing, launching and high speed tactical driving of the SOC; * Navigating to/from operational and training objectives; * Performing user maintenance on the SOC, vehicles and trailers; * Special Insertion / Extraction Techniques; * Proficiently and safely handling a variety of civilian and military weapons. * Advanced shooting, medical and communications skills.
Support and Specialist Selection Process
Applicants for employment in a SP and Spec role at JTF 2 must be prepared to complete a selection process, which is comprised of a number of steps:
Phase I: Members apply at the unit level through their chain of command completing both the Application for Service with JTF 2 form, which includes a verification of their medical category as well as a signature from their Adjt/XO/AdminO that authorizes the applicant to proceed with the selection process, and the Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Information form. These application forms are also available through the B/WPSO.
Phase II: Applicants must successfully complete a physical fitness test, administered by PSP staff. Specs’ positions require the JTF 2 physical fitness test and most SP positions require CF EXPRES, exempt level preferred.
Phase III: A copy of the application form, fitness test results, the member’s MPRR (PPE 806), and a signed Consent for Disclosure of Criminal Information form are to be forwarded to the JTF 2 Support Recruiting NCO.
Phase IV: JTF 2 will review applications and invite members for an employment interview based on their superior trade skills, job performance, and personnel profile. Members who are invited for screening will undergo a formal job interview and psychological assessment at JTF 2.
Note: If successful on Phase IV, the members on completion of posting instructions and In-Clearance at JTF2 will attend a Unit Indoctrination Course of two weeks for Support personnel and three weeks for Specialists. This course is aimed at new members joining the unit to introduce them and familiarize themselves with all aspects of the unit day-to-day operations and its routine. Service
Successful applicants for SP and Spec positions are generally posted with JTF 2 for a period of four to six years, depending upon rank and experience. All eligible Reg and Res Force personnel are welcome to apply, and applications are considered valid for a period of one year. However, only those individuals who are invited for formal processing will be informed of their file status. While employed at JTF 2, SP and Spec receive the same financial benefits as other CF members, in addition to a monthly productivity award
Note: that SP and Spec positions are open on an as-required basis.
The Solicitor General of Canada, under the authority of the Government of Canada, is responsible for the National Counter-Terrorism Plan. The plan establishes lines of communication and policy to guide officials in resolving a terrorist incident. It also describes the authorities and responsibilities of federal departments and agencies in a counter-terrorism situation, and outlines the legislation, conventions and agreements to which Canada is a party. The procedures for employing a military unit in a counter-terrorism situation are also detailed in the National Counter-Terrorism Plan.
The Canadian Forces Armed Assistance Directions (CFAAD) establishes the procedures for the request and provision of armed assistance by the CF to the RCMP to resolve disturbances affecting the national interest. Provisions have also been made to ensure that CF resources can be expeditiously positioned close to the site of a disturbance while the situation is developing, and before any armed assistance is authorized.
The CFAAD come into play on the basis of a request by either:
* The Commissioner of the RCMP submitting to the Chief of the Defence Staff for the positioning of a military force in anticipation of a request from the Solicitor General; or * The Solicitor General of Canada submitting to the Minister of National Defence for the provision of such assistance by the CF to the RCMP, and for the purpose of assisting in suppressing, preventing or otherwise dealing with the disturbance.
CF members engaged in armed assistance activities would be given the status of peace officers.
As with any unit of the CF, JTF 2 can be called upon to support or respond to disturbances in Canada. However, the unit’s counter-terrorism mandate is to provide an immediate response, as a force of last resort, to terrorist events or major disturbances affecting the national interest. To ensure the appropriate use of JTF 2, this formal request procedure is in place to guide officials when asking for assistance.
Myths Regarding JTF 2
Myth 1 - JTF 2 is a para-military organization.
Answer - No, JTF 2 is a military organization comprised of Canadian Forces personnel from a wide range of occupations. The unit was created on April 1, 1993 when the Canadian Forces accepted responsibility for federal counter-terrorism operations from the RCMP. Myth 2 - JTF 2 only selects combat arms members.
Answer - JTF 2 is comprised of assaulters and supporting members, all of whom are Canadian Forces personnel from a wide range of military occupations and all elements of the Canadian Forces. All members are carefully screened for service in the various elements that comprise JTF 2. Myth 3 - JTF 2 does not accept female applicants.
Answer - Any Canadian Forces member, irrespective of gender, who completes the JTF 2 selection process and is deemed eligible for service may be given an opportunity to serve with the unit. The standards established for selection and employment with JTF 2 are scientifically designed and validated at the Canadian Forces Dwyer Hill Training Centre in order to ensure that the members selected will be capable of accomplishing all tasks assigned to the unit. These standards are not gender specific and encompass the individuals’ physical abilities, professional skill sets, integrity, psychological profile, mental aptitude, discipline, and maturity. These standards are not just used for selecting new members, they are maintained throughout the unit and are ingrained in the JTF 2 ethos. Myth 4 - As a member of JTF 2, your family will never know where you are.
Answer - Many of the missions assigned to JTF 2 in support of Canadian security necessitate a stringent operational security policy. As such, many unit missions require that JTF 2 members provide little to no deployment details to their family. Despite these security precautions, every opportunity is made to ensure adequate communication between unit members and their family during deployments. Also, like any other CF unit, JTF 2 ensures that a number of support services are available to unit member’s families at all times.
Top of Page Myth 5 - JTF 2 members have a higher than average divorce rate.
Answer - Divorce rates for JTF 2 members are comparable to those of the Canadian Forces average. Myth 6 - You must know someone within JTF 2 to get into the unit.
Answer - Any Canadian Forces member who successfully completes the JTF 2 distinctive selection process for assaulter/supporter training and is deemed eligible for service may be given an opportunity to serve with the unit. The JTF 2 selection process has been scientifically validated, and knowing someone within JTF 2 will not provide prospective candidates with an advantage over others. Myth 7 - You must be single to serve in the unit.
Answer - The marital status of a Canadian Forces member has no bearing on their eligibility for service with JTF 2. Myth 8 - You cannot have any tattoos to be eligible for service with JTF 2.
Answer - Tattoos or other physical identifiers do not have any bearing on a Canadian Forces member’s eligibility for service with JTF 2. A prospective candidate who successfully completes the JTF 2 selection process and is deemed eligible for service may be given an opportunity to serve with the unit. Myth 9 - Recruiting for JTF 2 is done outside the unit chain of command.
Answer - Recruiting for JTF 2 is coordinated and conducted under the authority of the unit chain of command. Recruiting drives are conducted throughout Canada, permitting prospective candidates an opportunity to ask questions about service with the unit and counter similar myths.
Top of Page Myth 10 - Once posted to JTF 2 you cannot leave the unit.
Answer - Canadian Forces members who successfully complete the JTF 2 selection process and are deemed eligible for service with JTF 2 may be given an opportunity to serve with the unit. Although time served with the unit varies from member to member, regulations require members to serve a minimum amount of time with the unit prior to returning to their home units. Myth 11 - JTF 2 conducts activities outside the law.
Answer - All JTF 2 activities are conducted within the bounds of Canadian Law. Furthermore, the Government of Canada authorizes the overall missions and tasks undertaken by JTF 2, at all times. The unit is accountable to the Chief of the Defence Staff. The Chief of the Defence Staff is accountable to the Minister of National Defence who, as a Minister of the Crown, is responsible to the Prime Minister of Canada.
Forums
