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Canadian Army

Land component of the Canadian Armed Forces From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Canadian Army
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The Canadian Army (French: Armée canadienne) is the command responsible for the operational readiness of the conventional ground forces of the Canadian Armed Forces. It maintains regular forces units at bases across Canada, and is also responsible for the Army Reserve, the largest component of the Primary Reserve. The army is headed by the Commander of the Canadian Army and Chief of the Army Staff, who is subordinate to the Chief of the Defence Staff. The army is also supported by 3,000 civilian employees from the public service.

Quick facts Founded, Country ...

The army was formed in 1855, as the Active Militia, in response to the threat of the United States to the Province of Canada after the British garrison left for the Crimean War. This militia was later subdivided into the Permanent Active Militia and the Non-Permanent Active Militia. Finally, in 1940, an order in council changed the name of the Active Militia to the Canadian Army.

On 1 April 1966, prior to the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, the land forces were placed under a new command called Mobile Command (French: Commandement des forces mobiles).[9] For two years following, the army existed as a distinct legal entity before its amalgamation with the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force to form the Canadian Armed Forces. In the 1990s, the command was renamed Land Force Command (French: Commandement des Forces terrestres), until it reverted to its original name in August 2011.[10]

During its history, the Canadian Army has fought in a variety of conflicts, including in the North-West Rebellion, the Second Boer War, the First and Second World Wars, Korean War, and more recently with the Gulf War, and in the War in Afghanistan.

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History

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Main article: History of the Canadian Army

Formation

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Various uniforms used by the Canadian militia, c. 1898

Prior to Confederation in 1867, the British Army, which included both "Fencible" Regiments of the British Army—recruited within British North America exclusively for service in North America—and Canadian militia units, was responsible for the defence of Canada. Some current regiments of the Canadian Army trace their origins to these pre-Confederation militia and Fencible units. Following the passage of the Militia Act of 1855, the Permanent Active Militia was formed, and in later decades several regular bodies of troops were created, their descendants becoming the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and the Royal Canadian Regiment. The major operations that regular Canadian troops, in the 19th century, participated in included: the North-West Rebellion in 1885, and the Second Boer War.

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Canadian soldiers en route to South Africa in 1899

World Wars

During the First World War, the Canadian Army raised the volunteer Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) for service overseas, and was the primary Canadian participation to the war effort.[11][12][13]

The Canadian Army also fought during the Second World War. Following the declaration of war on Nazi Germany and her allies by the United Kingdom on 3 September 1939, with Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King consulting with the Parliament of Canada and declaring war on 10 September 1939, the Canadian Army raised the Canadian Active Service Force, which initially consisted of the 1st Canadian Division; later increased to form the First Canadian Army.[14] On 19 November 1940, during Second World War, an Order in Council was issued that renamed the Permanent Active Militia as the Canadian Army (Active), supplemented by the Non-Permanent Active Militia, which was named the Canadian Army (Reserve).[4]

Post-war era and recent history (1945-present)

The Army participated in the Korean War, with the first elements of its participation landed in Korea in December 1950 and formed part of the forces who took part in Operation Killer and the Battle of Kapyong. Canadian troops were also committed to the NATO presence in West Germany during the Cold War.

In the years following its unification with the navy and air force in 1968, the size of Canada's land forces was reduced, however, Canadian troops participated in a number of military actions with Canada's allies. These operations included the Gulf War in 1991 and the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, in addition to various peacekeeping operations under United Nations auspices in different parts of the world.[15] Despite Canada's usual support of British and American initiatives, Canada's land forces did not directly participate in,the Vietnam War, or the Iraq War.[16]

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Structure

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Main article: Structure of the Canadian Army
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The National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa houses the headquarters for the Canadian Armed Forces, including the commander of the Canadian Army.

Command of the Army is exercised by the commander of the Canadian Army within National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. The Army is divided into four geographical districts: the 2nd Canadian Division is based in Quebec, the 3rd Canadian Division is based in Western Canada, the 4th Canadian Division is based in Ontario, while the 5th Canadian Division is based in Atlantic Canada.[17]

The single operational formation, 1st Canadian Division, is part of the Canadian Joint Operations Command and not part of the Canadian Army. It serves as a deployable headquarters to command a divisional-level deployment of Canadian or allied forces on operations, succeeding the previous Canadian Joint Forces HQ.[18]

In addition to the four regional command areas, the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, commanded by a major-general and headquartered at McNaughton Barracks, CFB Kingston, Ontario, is responsible for the supervision, integration and delivery of Army training and doctrine development, including simulation and digitization. It includes a number of schools and training organizations, such as the Combat Training Centre at CFB Gagetown, New Brunswick, and the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre at CFB Wainwright, Alberta.[19]

Canadian infantry and armoured regimental traditions are strongly rooted in the traditions and history of the British Army. Many regiments were patterned after regiments of the British Army, and a system of official "alliances", or affiliations, was created to perpetuate a sense of shared history. Other regiments developed independently, resulting in a mixture of both colourful and historically familiar names. Other traditions such as battle honours and colours have been maintained by Canadian regiments as well.

The senior appointment within the Canadian Army was Chief of the General Staff until 1964 when the appointment became Commander, Mobile Command in advance of the unification of Canada's military forces.[20] The position was renamed Chief of the Land Staff in 1993.[21] Following the reversion to the name Canadian Army in 2011, the position became Commander of the Canadian Army.

Regular force

Main article: Regular Force
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A sign for 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at the entrance to CFB Petawawa. The mechanized brigade group is one of three maintained by the Regular Force.

There are three mechanized brigade groups in the Canadian Army's Regular Force. Approximately two-thirds of the Regular Force is composed of anglophone units, while one third is francophone. The mechanized brigades include battalions from three infantry regiments, the Royal Canadian Regiment, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, and the Royal 22e Regiment.

Between 1953 and 1971, the Regular infantry consisted of seven regiments, each maintaining two battalions (except the Royal 22e Régiment, which had three; The Canadian Guards which had four battalions between 1953 and 1957; and the Canadian Airborne Regiment, which was divided into three commandos). In addition to the Canadian Guards, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment, the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada, and the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada also fielded units that served in Regular Force.

In the years that followed the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, several units of Regular Force were disbanded, or reduced to nil strength. On 15 September 1968, the 2nd Battalion of the Queen's Own Rifles was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle. Several weeks later, the 1st Battalion of the Canadian Guards was disbanded on 1 October 1968.

In 1970, several more units were reduced to nil strength. The 1st Battalion of the Queen's Own Rifles was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle on 27 April 1970, with the unit's personnel forming the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Further reductions occurred from mid-June to early-July 1970, with the Regular Force unit from the Fort Garry Horse being disbanded on 16 June 1970. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Black Watch were reduced to nil strength on 1 July 1970, and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle. Several days later, on 6 July 1970, the 2nd Battalion of the Canadian Guards was reduced to nil strength and transferred to the Supplementary Order of Battle; its personnel became a part of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment. After the Canadian Guards were reduced to nil strength, the role of the Household Troop reverted to the two seniormost infantry regiments of the Reserve. The respective battalions relinquished their numerical battalion designations in 1976.

During the 1990s, the Regular Force saw further organizational restructuring. The Canadian Airborne Regiment was disbanded in 1995,[22] while the Regular Force regiment of the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's), formed in 1957, was converted to a mixed Regular and Reserve "Total Force" unit with the close-out of 4 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at Lahr, Germany, in 1994, before reverting to a Reserve regiment in 1997.[23]

Reserve

Main article: Primary Reserve

The Army Reserve is the reserve element of the Canadian Army and the largest component of the Primary Reserve. The Army Reserve is organized into under-strength brigades (for purposes of administration) along geographic lines. The Army Reserve is very active and has participated heavily in all Regular Army deployments since 2002, in some cases contributing as much as 40 per cent of each deployment in either individual augmentation, as well as occasional formed sub-units (companies). LFR regiments have the theoretical administrative capacity to support an entire battalion, but typically have the deployable manpower of only one or two platoons. They are perpetuated as such for the timely absorption of recruits during times of war. Current strength of the Army Reserve is approximately 18,500.[24] On 1 April 2008, the Army Reserve absorbed all units of the former Communications Reserve.

Organization

The Canadian Army comprises:[25][26]

Additionally, the command comprises the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, which includes the following establishments:

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Personnel

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As of 2024, the Canadian Army included 22,500 full-time soldiers in the Regular Force. In the same year the Reserve Force had 21,500 part-time soldiers, including 5,300 Canadian Rangers. In addition to commissioned and non-commissioned members, the Army employs 3,500 civilian personnel to support its operations.[6]

Rank and insignia

Main article: Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia

Military ranks in the Canadian Army denote an individual's position within the Army's hierarchy. Advancement through the ranks corresponds to increased responsibility and authority. The rank structure is used to facilitate the transmission of orders during operations, ensure clarity of command, and maintain discipline and order.[27]

Commander-in-Chief

In their capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the governor general of Canada is entitled to wear a distinctive general officer uniform from any of the Canadian Armed Forces commands, including the Canadian Army. This uniform features a unique general sleeve braid embellished with the governor general's badge. The badge is also embroidered on the uniform’s shoulder straps.[28]

More information Governor General ...

Officers

Army officers hold positions of command and responsibility. Their roles typically include overseeing personnel, planning, and directing operations, making decisions within their scope of authority, and providing advice to achieve operational objectives.[30]

The rank insignia for Army general officers, like those of other Canadian Armed Forces general and flag officers, features maple leaves, the number of which corresponds to the officer's rank.[31][32] The rank insignia for senior officers generally consists of a combination of pips and St. Edward's Crown, although the insignia for majors only includes the crown. The insignia for junior and subordinate officers/officer cadets consists solely of pips, with the number corresponding to the officer's rank.[32][33]

More information NATO code, OF-10 ...

Non-commissioned members

Non-commissioned members in the Army perform operational and support duties and contribute to maintaining safety, discipline, and the welfare of their units.[30]

Although private is the lowest rank specified in the National Defence Act, some Army units use alternative titles for the rank of private for regimental or historical reasons.[36] Several infantry units use alternate titles for the rank of private, including guardsman in regiments of foot guards, fusilier in fusilier units, and rifleman or voltigeur in rifle regiments. The lowest rank is trooper in the armoured corps, gunner for artillery units, signaller for the signals corps, and ranger for the Canadian Rangers. The Canadian Military Engineers use sapper as their lowest rank, while the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers uses craftsman. In military bands, the lowest rank is musician, piper, or drummer, depending on the band type and instrument.[36][37]

More information NATO code, OR-9 ...

In addition to rank insignias, non-commissioned members appointed as the Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer, Command Chief Warrant Officer, or Senior Appointment Chief Warrant Officer wear distinct insignias to denote the senior appointment. Leaders of military bands, such as drum, pipe, and trumpet/bugle majors, also wear distinctive insignia denoting their appointments.[32]

Training

Newly enrolled non-commissioned members of the Army undergo foundational training through Basic Military Qualification (BMQ), while newly enrolled officers go through Basic Military Officer Qualification (BMOQ). Both BMQ and BMOQ take place at Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.[38][39]

Officer entry plans

The Canadian Army commissions officers through multiple entry plans, each designed for candidates with different educational backgrounds and levels of military experience, to develop them to the required standard of proficiency expected of an officer. This typically includes providing pathways to complete an academic degree. However, individuals who already possess an academic degree or technology diploma may qualify for the Direct Entry Officer Plan, which serves as a direct pathway to commissioning.[40]

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Officer cadets of the Royal Military College of Canada during the 2009 Sandhurst Competition

Several entry plans offer paid or subsidized education in exchange for military service. The Regular Officer Training Plan involves earning an academic degree at the Royal Military College of Canada (RMC), the Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean), or a civilian Canadian university.[41] Due to shortages in specific officer occupations, the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan (CEOTP) was created for select candidates who are otherwise qualified for service as officers but lack an academic degree, allowing them to enter the Army and complete their degree while serving.[42]

Several entry plans facilitate the transition of serving non-commissioned members to officers. The University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members allows serving members to earn a degree at RMC, RMC Saint-Jean, or a civilian Canadian university in preparation to become officers.[43] The Commissioning from the Ranks Plan commissions experienced candidates who demonstrate officer potential, supplementing other commissioning routes.[44] The Special Requirements Commissioning Plan leverages the skills of senior non-commissioned members, such as Chief Warrant Officers, and provides them a route to commissioning.[45]

Occupational training

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Gates to Fort Frontenac home of the Canadian Army Command and Staff College

The Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre is the Army's formation tasked with training and developing military doctrine and oversees several training organizations and establishments, like the Peace Support Training Centre and the Canadian Army Command and Staff College.[46] The Army also operates several schools through the Combat Training Centre (CTC), including Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre and the Tactics School.[47]

Several unified Canadian Armed Forces schools are also accessible to Army personnel, including the Canadian Forces College and the CTC's Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering.[48][49][50] The latter institution was formerly an army run institution until 1968, when its mandate was expanded to meet the needs of the Navy and Air Force.[50]

Uniforms

Main article: Uniforms of the Canadian Forces

Uniforms worn by the Canadian Army are regulated by the Dress Instructions for the Canadian Forces. Misuse of the likeness of Canadian Army uniforms is an offence under Article 419 of the Criminal Code of Canada and is punishable by summary conviction.[51]

Uniforms of the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Army, are categorized into five types, including No. 1 Dress (ceremonial dress), No. 2 Dress (mess dress), No. 3 Dress (service dress), No. 4 Dress (occupational dress), and No. 5 Dress (operational dress).[51] Each category contains several orders that specify variations for particular occasions.[52]

Daily duty and operational attire

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Canadian Army personnel in service dress uniform

No. 3 Dress is the Canadian Army's service dress uniform worn for daily duties and travel.[52] It includes a beret, necktie, service jacket, and trousers in Army environmental colours, paired with black leather shoes. Variations include No. 3A, a long-sleeved version, and No. 3B, a short-sleeved version.[53]

No. 4 Operational Dress consists of uniforms worn during operations, operational training, or as directed.[52] These include field combat clothing featuring CADPAT digital camouflage, as well as aviation and naval combat dress. Operational uniforms are used across the entire Canadian Armed Forces and are not specific to any single environmental command.[54]

Formal attire

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Army officers in No. 1 Dress, the Army’s ceremonial service dress

No. 1 Dress includes uniforms for formal occasions, and whose appearance reflect the heritage of the unit.[52][55] The Army's service dress uniforms may also be used for formal occasions, with No. 1 Dress outlining its use when worn with medals and accoutrements, and No. 1A Dress outlining its use when worn with medals only.[55]

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Soldiers in No. 1B full dress, which includes a white Wolseley helmet, a red coat, and royal blue trousers

The Army's universal full dress uniform, No. 1B Dress, is the Army's most formal attire and includes a white Wolseley helmet, a red coat, and royal blue trousers. Most units are authorized some minor regimental differences to reflect the unit's history, although some units are authorized significant differences from the universal full dress. This includes changes to the headdress for artillery, hussar, horse guards, rifle, and kilted Irish and Canadian-Scottish regiments, as well as changes to the colour of the tunic or doublet. Unlike other uniforms in the CAF, which are issued, full dress uniforms are generally purchased by the service member, except for officer cadets at Canadian military colleges and volunteers to the Ceremonial Guard, for whom they are provided.[55]

No. 2 Dress is a uniform worn for military dinners and other formal evening events. The standard pattern includes a red mess jacket, blue waistcoat, and either trousers or a kilt. Similar to full dress uniforms, several Army units have authorized regimental variations to their mess dress.[56]

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Equipment

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Further information: List of equipment of the Canadian Armed Forces, List of historical equipment of the Canadian military, and Planned Canadian Forces projects

Vehicles

Further information: Tanks of Canada
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A Leopard 2A4 during a military exercise at CFB Wainwright, 2017

The Canadian Army operates a variety of vehicles including the Leopard 2 series main battle tank, which includes variants such as the Leopard 2A4, 2A4M, 2A6M. These tanks are primarily deployed to provide direct fire support.[57] They are supported by LAV 6 infantry fighting vehicles, which offer enhanced fire support, protection, and mobility for infantry.[58] Armoured reconnaissance and command and control vehicles in use include the Coyote armoured vehicle and the Textron tactical armoured patrol vehicle.[59][60]

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A LAV 6 infantry fighting vehicle in Saint-André-Avellin, Quebec, 2019

Other vehicles the Canadian Army uses for personnel transport and logistics includes the amphibious Bandvagn 206 and the G Wagon - Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled. Armoued support vehicles in use include the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle and the Leopard 2ARV and 2AEV variants, the latter two used for armoured recovery and engineering purposes.[57][61] Other support vehicles include the Light Support Vehicle Wheeled, Medium Support Vehicle System, and the Heavy Logistics Vehicle Wheeled.[61]

The army also operates several specialized armored vehicles for demining and route clearance, including the Buffalo, and Husky VMMD. For transport, route opening personnel utilize the Cougar mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle.[61]

Weapons

The Canadian Army's standard issue weapon is the 5.56 mm Colt Canada C7 and C8 rifles, while the C22 pistol is the standard sidearm. The C7A2 serves as the standard personal assault rifle, while the C8A3 carbine is used when space constraints limit the use of the C7A2.[62][63]

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A Canadian infanteer firing a Colt Canada C7A2, 2009

The .50 calibre C15A2 is the designated long-range sniper weapon of the Canadian Army, while the Colt Canada C20 DMR is the designated marksman rifle.[62] Weapons used to provide support and sustained fire include the C9A2 light machine gun, C6A1 general-purpose machine gun, and the M2HB heavy machine gun.[62][64][65] Other weapons used by Canadian soldiers include the 81mm mortar for indirect fire and the M72 LAW anti-tank weapon.[62]

The Canadian Army has two artillery systems, the C3 105mm howitzer and the M777 155mm howitzer.[62] The former provides close fire support while the latter system can provide fire support as far as 40 kilometres (25 mi).[66][67] The M777 howitzer is also able to be combined with the M982 Excalibur guided artillery shell, providing accurate fire up to 30 kilometres (19 mi) away.[67]

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Bases and facilities

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Entrance to CFB Suffield, the largest Canadian Forces base used by the Army

There are 10 Canadian Forces Bases that the Canadian Army uses to house brigade groups and regiments, as well as to provide training and support facilities for its personnel.[68] This includes CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick, CFB Valcartier in Quebec, CFB Petawawa, CFB Kingston and CFB Toronto in Ontario, CFB Shilo in Manitoba, and CFB Edmonton and CFB Suffield in Alberta.[68][69] CFB Suffield is the largest Canadian Army base, hosting the Army's largest military training area, as well as the British Army Training Unit Suffield.[70] Alongside these 10 Canadian Forces Bases, the Canadian Army also operates several detachments and support bases, like 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Wainwright.[68]

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NDHQ Carling in Ottawa houses Canadian Army Headquarters

Canadian Army Headquarters, the central administrative and command location for the Canadian Army, is located at NDHQ Carling in Ottawa.[71] The headquarters for the 2nd Canadian Division is located at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier, Detachment Montreal,[72] while the 3rd Canadian Division is headquartered at CFB Edmonton.[73] The 4th Canadian Division operates from Denison Armoury at CFB Toronto, and the 5th Canadian Division is headquartered at CFB Halifax,[74][71] which primarily serves as a Royal Canadian Navy installation.[75]

In addition to Canadian Forces bases, the Canadian Army Reserve maintains armouries across Canada. Approximately 97 per cent of Canadians live within 45 minutes of a Canadian Army Reserve armoury.[76]

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Badge

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1993–2011
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2011–2016
Past versions of the badge used by the Canadian Army, with the years they were in use listed above

The badge of the Canadian Army consists of:[77]

Canadian Army Journal

Since 1947, the Canadian Army has produced a peer-reviewed academic journal called the Canadian Army Journal. In 1965, prior to the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, the journal was merged with similar publications from across the services. In 1980, the Canadian Army Doctrine Bulletin began printing as the successor to the original journal, and in 2004 the publication returned to its original name.[78]

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See also

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References

Bibliography

Further reading

External links

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