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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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Rank and insignia

Main article: Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia

Military rank in the Canadian Army is granted based on a variety of factors including merit, qualification, training, and time in-rank. However, promotion up to the rank of corporal for non-commissioned members, and to captain for officers, is automatic based on time in previous rank. Some ranks are associated with specific appointments. For example, a regimental sergeant major is held by a chief warrant officer, or adjutant held by a captain. In some branches or specific units, rank titles may differ due to tradition. A trained private within the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps is a trooper, whereas the same rank within the artillery is gunner. Other titles for the rank of private include fusilier, sapper, rifleman, craftsman, and guardsman.[27] The ranks of the Canadian Army are as follows:

More information Governor General ...
More information NATO code, OF-10 ...
More information NATO code, OR-9 ...

Officer training

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.[31]

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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.[32] Dedicated subsidized education entry plans also exist to enable medical and dentistry students to pursue their professional degrees at a civilian Canadian university and subsequently serve in those fields within the Army.[33] 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.[34]

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.[35] The Commissioning from the Ranks Plan commissions experienced candidates who demonstrate officer potential, supplementing other commissioning routes.[36] 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.[37]

Occupational training

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

Foundational training as a Canadian Army officer is provided through Basic Military Officer Qualification, which takes place following enrolment as an officer.[38]

Further professional development and occupational training for Canadian Army officers is managed by the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre, headquartered at CFB Kingston.[39] The centre has several organizations under it, including the Canadian Army Command and Staff College at Fort Frontenac, a staff college charged with training officers to perform command and staff functions.[39][40]

Senior Canadian Army officers may also undertake professional development at the Canadian Forces College, a staff college for senior officers across the entire Canadian Armed Forces.[41] Other CADTC centres that provide occupational training include the Combat Training Centre and its Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre, though these are not units dedicated exclusively to officer development.[39]

Uniforms

Main article: Uniforms of the Canadian Forces

The Canadian Army maintains a variety of different uniforms, including a ceremonial full dress uniform, a mess dress uniform, a service dress uniform, operational/field uniforms, and occupational uniforms. Canada's uniforms were developed parallel to British uniforms from 1900 to the unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, though maintained significant differences. The adoption of a number of separate uniforms for separate functions, also made its uniforms become distinctively "Canadian" in the process.

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Members of the Royal 22e Regiment. The public duties soldier is wearing full dress while the other wears the service dress.

Prior to unification in 1968, the uniforms between the three branches were similar to their counterparts in the forces of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth countries, save for national identifiers and some regimental accoutrements. The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced on 8 July 2013 the Government of Canada's intent to restore Canadian Army rank insignia, names and badges to their traditional forms.[42]

The Canadian Army's universal full dress uniform includes a scarlet tunic, midnight blue trousers with a scarlet trouser stripe, and a Wolseley helmet. However, a number of regiments in the Canadian Army are authorized regimental deviations from the Army's universal design; including some armoured, Canadian-Scottish regiments, and all rifle/voltigeur regiments.[43] The full dress uniforms of the Army regiments originated from the Canadian militia, and was eventually relegated from combat to ceremonial use.

The present service dress uniform includes a rifle green tunic and trousers, similar to the older iteration of the service dress, although with a different cut, and an added shoulder strap. The present service dress uniforms were introduced in the late 1980s, alongside the other "distinctive environmental uniforms" issued to other branches of the Canadian Armed Forces. From the unification of the armed forces in 1968, to the introduction of the distinctive service uniforms in the 1980s, the branches of the Canadian Armed Forces wore a similar rifle green service uniform.

The Canadian Army began to issue combat specific uniforms in the early 1960s, with the introduction of "combats," coloured olive-drab shirt. The olive-drab uniforms continued to be used with minor alterations until the Army adopted CADPAT camouflaged combat uniforms in the late-1990s. With the adoption of CADPAT, the Canadian Armed Forces became the first military force to adopt digital camouflage pattern for all its units.

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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.[44] They are supported by LAV 6 infantry fighting vehicles, which offer enhanced fire support, protection, and mobility for infantry.[45] Armoured reconnaissance and command and control vehicles in use include the Coyote armoured vehicle and the Textron tactical armoured patrol vehicle.[46][47]

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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.[44][48] Other support vehicles include the Light Support Vehicle Wheeled, Medium Support Vehicle System, and the Heavy Logistics Vehicle Wheeled.[48]

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.[48]

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.[49][50]

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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.[49] 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.[49][51][52] Other weapons used by Canadian soldiers include the 81mm mortar for indirect fire and the M72 LAW anti-tank weapon.[49]

The Canadian Army has two artillery systems, the C3 105mm howitzer and the M777 155mm howitzer.[49] The former provides close fire support while the latter system can provide fire support as far as 40 kilometres (25 mi).[53][54] 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.[54]

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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.[55] 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.[55][56] 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.[57] Alongside these 10 bases, the Canadian Army also operates several detachments and support bases, like 3rd Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Wainwright.[55]

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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.[58] The headquarters for the 2nd Canadian Division is located at 2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier, Detachment Montreal,[59] while the 3rd Canadian Division is headquartered at CFB Edmonton.[60] The 4th Canadian Division operates from Denison Armoury at CFB Toronto, and the 5th Canadian Division is headquartered at CFB Halifax,[61][58] which primarily serves as a Royal Canadian Navy installation.[62]

In addition to Canadian Forces bases, the Canadian Army Reserve maintains armouries across Canada. Approximately 97 percent of Canadians live within 45 minutes of a Canadian Army Reserve armoury.[63]

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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:[64]

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.[65]

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See also

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References

Bibliography

Further reading

External links

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