The Evolving Requirements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces: A Future Concept Paper

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA495393 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Colonel Paul Taillons paper suggests new directions for Canadian Special Operations Forces CANSOF, propelled mainly by the demands of the international environment since the September 11, 2001 attack in New York City. This is of special interest as Canadian forces must both face up to new threats from extremists who use terrorism to advance their interests, and deal with limitations on the size of their security forces. Indeed, the Canadian Armed Forces have sustained a significant negative growth in the last 20 years, placing this significant ally somewhere between Singapore and Uzbekistan in military personnel strength. Though small in size, the Canadian military has been lion-hearted in taking on the democratic worlds most demanding security challenges Canadians have deployed to Afghanistan, Rwanda, Haiti, and even Yugoslavia. Dr. Taillon discusses a way forward for Canada to expand its force and significantly improve its capabilities through a focused military education system that mutually supports the missions of CANSOF and conventional forces. This is a tall order and Dr. Taillon prudently highlights the current fiscal and force size constraints on the Canadian Armed Forces. He suggests that the Canadian Armed Forces revisit the issue of recruiting citizens for SOF service, placing strong emphasis on talent-spotting in colleges, among ethnic groups, and within specialized civilian career fields. He also advances the concept of a robust CANSOF reserve to augment the forces now decisively engaged in support of Canadas interests. From a U.S. Special Operations Command USSOCOM perspective, understanding potential coalition SOF partners capabilities is a critical element in developing joint strategic and operational plans. Taillons paper provides insight into current issues that are certain to impact Canadian SOF while suggesting some issues for USSOCOM to think about as it launches new programs for education and force transition.

Author(s):
De B. Taillon, J. P.
Author Organization(s):
CANADIAN FORCES COLL TORONTO (ONTARIO)
Descriptive Note:
Monograph
Supplementary Note:
Published by Joint Special Operations University, Hurlburt Field, FL. ISBN 0-9767393-2-1
Pagination:
0029

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release; Distribution Is Unlimited.

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
JSOU-P-05-2
Monitor Series:
JSOU
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_2_Battlespace Awareness; JCA_2.1_Planning and Direction; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_2.1.4_Evaluation; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_5.2_Understand; JCA_5.2.3_Share Knowledge and Situational Awareness; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_5.5.1_Communicate Intent and Guidance; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_8.2.4_Leverage Capacities and Capabilities of Security Establishments; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_6.1.3_Switching and Routing; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_6.1_Information Transport
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*MILITARY FORCES(FOREIGN), *COUNTERTERRORISM, *MILITARY FORCE LEVELS, *MILITARY TRAINING, *MILITARY CAPABILITIES, *CANADA, *RECRUITING, CIVILIAN POPULATION, JOINT MILITARY ACTIVITIES, TERRORISM, DEMOGRAPHY, MILITARY REQUIREMENTS, THREATS, STUDENTS, SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, ETHNIC GROUPS
Field(s)/Group(s):
Military Forces and Organizations, Unconventional Warfare
Keyword(s):
*CANADIAN SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES, CANSOF(CANADIAN SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES), CANADIAN SPECIAL FORCES, USSOCOM(US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND), FOREIGN REPORTS
Report Date:
2005 Sep 01
Creation Date:
2009 Apr 08