National Defence and the Canadian Forces
www.forces.gc.ca
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About DND/CF
Who We Are
Canadian Forces members are proud to serve Canada by defending its values, interests and sovereignty at home and abroad.
Canadian Forces personnel belong to air, land, sea and special operations components.
There are approximately:
- 62,000 Regular Force members; and
- 25,000 Reserve Force members, including 4,000 Canadian Rangers.
Four Canadian Forces operational commands report to the National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa. They are:
- Canada Command
- Canadian Expeditionary Force Command
- Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
- Canadian Operational Support Command
Canada Command is supported by six regional Joint Task Forces for the defence of Canada:
- Pacific
- Central
- Northern
- Eastern
- Prairie
- Atlantic
The Defence Portfolio
The Defence Portfolio comprises the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Forces and a number of related organizations, all of which are the collective responsibility of the Minister of National Defence. (Read More)
What We Do
The Canadian Forces are a modern and effective military capable of playing a number of important roles at home and abroad.
Protecting Canada
Protecting Canadians and defending our sovereignty is our first priority.
Defending North America
We work with Canada’s closest ally, the United States, to defend North America through arrangements such as the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD).
Contributing to International Peace and Security
We contribute to international peace and security through operations around the world.
How We Do It
A Trained and Professional Force
Canadian Forces personnel are highly trained and receive professional development opportunities throughout their careers. They have the skills, knowledge and experience that make the Canadian Forces modern, effective and professional.
Equipment and Technology
The Canadian Forces have some of the best equipment in the world – from the Light Armored Vehicle III (LAVIII), to the modernized CF-18 fighter jet, to the Navy’s Halifax-class frigates. They will continue to acquire new equipment to carry out their mission in a changing world.
Our Future
The Canadian Forces protect Canada, assert Canada’s sovereignty, and assume a leadership role in the world. The future of the Canadian Forces will include a threeocean Navy, a robust Army, and a revitalized Air Force. To achieve this, the Government of Canada will:
- Expand the Regular Force to 75,000 personnel and add 10,000 Reservists; and
- Acquire leading-edge military technology and equipment.
The Canadian Forces will continue to support freedom, democracy, the rule of law and human rights around the world.
Join Us!
Consider a career in the Canadian Forces. With more than 100 occupations, the Canadian Forces offer a challenging and rewarding life with competitive pay and benefits.
You can get information about career options in the Canadian Forces at: http://www.forces.ca or call: 1-800-856-8488
Show Your Support
Show your support for the men and women of the Canadian Forces! They welcome messages sent to them while serving abroad and are heartened by the participation of Canadians in Canadian Forces events in their communities.
You are invited to send e-mail messages to Canadian Forces personnel via our Write To The Troops electronic bulletin board. You can also visit the Support Our Troops website.
This information is also available as a brochure in PDF format.
Download brochure (788 Kb) - requires the free Adobe Reader software.
