Editing Canadian Armed Forces (section)

== Structure ==
The [[Monarchy of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces|Crown has long occupied a central position in the Canadian Armed Forces]]. The ''National Defence Act'' states that "the Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada, consisting of one service called the Canadian Armed Forces"<ref name=Elizabeth>{{cite book|last=Elizabeth II |author-link=Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom |date=12 December 2008 |title=National Defence Act |series=II.14 |publisher=Queen's Printer |url=http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-n-5/latest/rsc-1985-c-n-5.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091130104437/http://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-n-5/latest/rsc-1985-c-n-5.html |archive-date=30 November 2009 }}</ref> and the ''[[Constitution Act, 1867]]'', vests [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces|command-in-chief of the Forces]] in the [[Monarchy of Canada|country's sovereign]],<ref name=BNA/> who, since 1904, has authorized his or her [[viceroy]], the [[Governor General of Canada|governor general]], to exercise the duties ascribed to the post of commander-in-chief and, since 1905, hold the associated title.<ref>{{Cite web|title=1947 - 1952 The Assignment of Sovereign Powers|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/governors-general-representing-canada-home-and-abroad|website=Office of the Governor General of Canada|date=20 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Commander-in-Chief|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/role/responsibilities/commander-chief|website=The Governor General of Canada |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124231602/https://www.gg.ca/en/role/responsibilities/commander-chief |archive-date= 24 January 2021 }}</ref> All troop deployment and disposition orders, including [[Declaration of war by Canada|declarations of war]], fall within the [[royal prerogative]] and are issued as [[Order-in-Council|orders-in-Council]], which must be signed by either the monarch or governor general. Under the [[Westminster system]]'s parliamentary customs and practices, however, the monarch and viceroy must generally follow the [[Advice (constitutional)|advice]] of his or her [[Minister of the Crown|ministers]] in [[Cabinet of Canada|Cabinet]], including the [[Prime Minister of Canada|prime minister]] and minister of national defence, who are accountable to the elected [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons]].
[[File:NDHQ.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Armed Forces Council (Canada)|Armed Forces Council]] is the senior military body of the Canadian Forces. The Council typically operates from [[Major-General George R. Pearkes Building|Pearkes building]] in [[Ottawa]].]]
The Canadian Forces' 92,600 personnel are divided into [[Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia|a hierarchy of numerous ranks]] of [[Officer's commission|officers]] and [[non-commissioned member]]s. The governor general appoints, on the advice of the prime minister, the chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) as the highest-ranking [[Officer's commission|commissioned officer]] in the Armed Forces and its commander. In this role, the CDS heads the [[Armed Forces Council (Canada)|Armed Forces Council]], which also includes the vice chief of the Defence Staff and the commanders of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, [[Canadian Joint Operations Command]], [[Canadian Special Operations Forces Command]], as well as certain other designated personnel. The Armed Forces Council generally operates from [[National Defence Headquarters]] (NDHQ) in [[Ottawa]], Ontario. The sovereign and most other members of the [[Monarchy of Canada#Canada's royal family and house|Canadian Royal Family]] also act as [[Colonel-in-Chief|colonels-in-chief]], honorary [[Air Commodore|air commodores]], [[air commodores-in-chief]], admirals, and captains-general of Canadian Forces units, though these positions are ceremonial.

The Canadian Forces operate out of 27 [[Canadian Forces base]]s (CFB) across the country, including NDHQ. This number has been gradually reduced since the 1970s with bases either being closed or merged. Both officers and non-commissioned members receive their basic training at the [[Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School]] in [[Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu]]. Officers will generally either directly enter the Canadian Armed Forces with a degree from a civilian university or receive their commission upon graduation from the [[Royal Military College of Canada]]. Specific element and trade training is conducted at a variety of institutions throughout Canada, and to a lesser extent, the world.

As of 2013, the Canadian Forces have 68,000 Regular Force members and 27,000 [[Military reserve|reservists]], bringing the total force to approximately 95,000.<ref name="ND CAF FAQ 12">{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/about/faq.page|title=Frequently Asked Questions 12  |last=Government of Canada |website= Department of National Defence |date=21 June 2013 |language=en|access-date=22 December 2018}}</ref> These individuals serve on numerous [[Canadian Forces base]]s in all regions of the country and are governed by the ''[[Queen's Regulations and Orders for the Canadian Forces|Queen's Regulations and Orders]]'' and the ''National Defence Act''.

===Royal Canadian Navy===
{{Main|Royal Canadian Navy}}
[[Image:HMCS_Calgary_(FFH-335)_leaves_Pearl_Harbor_in_July_2014.JPG|thumb|right|{{HMCS|Calgary|FFH 335|6}} of the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] departs [[Pearl Harbor]] for the at-sea phase of [[Exercise RIMPAC#RIMPAC 2014|RIMPAC 2014]]]]
The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), headed by the [[commander of the Royal Canadian Navy]], includes 28 warships and submarines deployed in two fleets: [[Maritime Forces Pacific]] (MARPAC) at [[CFB Esquimalt]] on the west coast, and [[Maritime Forces Atlantic]] (MARLANT) at [[CFB Halifax]] on the east coast, as well as one formation: the Naval Reserve Headquarters (NAVRESHQ) at [[Quebec City]], Quebec. The fleet is augmented by various aircraft and supply vessels. The RCN participates in [[NATO]] exercises and operations, and ships are deployed all over the world in support of multinational deployments.

===Canadian Army===
{{Main|Canadian Army}}
[[File:120722-M-VB788-092 (7651158414).jpg|thumb|right|Soldiers from [[Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry]] conducting an exercise during [[Exercise RIMPAC#RIMPAC 2012|RIMPAC 2012]]]]
The Canadian Army is headed by the [[commander of the Canadian Army]] and is administered through four divisions—the [[2nd Canadian Division]], the [[3rd Canadian Division]], the [[4th Canadian Division]] and the [[5th Canadian Division]]—the Canadian Army Doctrine and Training System and the Canadian Army Headquarters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/news-publications/national-news-details-no-menu.page?doc=historical-features-of-the-canadian-army-restored/hivnkr3x|title=ARCHIVED - Article &#124; Historical Features of the Canadian Army Restored|first=National Defence|last=Government of Canada|date=8 July 2013|website=army-armee.forces.gc.ca}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/1st-canadian-division/index.page|title=1st Canadian Division|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140312200015/http://www.army-armee.forces.gc.ca/en/1st-canadian-division/index.page|archive-date=12 March 2014}}</ref>

Currently, the [[Regular Force]] component of the Army consists of three field-ready [[brigade group]]s: [[1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]], at [[CFB Edmonton]] and [[CFB Shilo]]; [[2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]], at [[CFB Petawawa]] and [[CFB Gagetown]]; and [[5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]], at [[CFB Valcartier]] and [[Quebec City]]. Each contains one regiment of [[artillery]], [[armoured warfare|armour]], and [[combat engineering|combat engineers]], three [[battalion]]s of [[infantry]] (all scaled in the British fashion), one battalion for [[military logistics|logistics]], a [[squadron (army)|squadron]] for [[military headquarters|headquarters]]/[[military communications|signals]], and several smaller support organizations. A tactical helicopter [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] and a field ambulance are co-located with each brigade but do not form part of the brigade's command structure.

The 2nd, 3rd and 4th Canadian Divisions each have a Regular Force brigade group, and each division except the 1st has two to three Reserve Force brigades groups. In total, there are ten Reserve Force brigade groups. The [[5th Canadian Division]] and the [[Land Force Quebec Area|2nd Canadian Division]] each have two Reserve Force brigade groups, while the [[4th Canadian Division]] and the [[3rd Canadian Division]] each have three Reserve Force brigade groups. Major training and support establishments exist at [[CFB Gagetown]], [[CFB Montreal]] and [[CFB Wainwright]].

===Royal Canadian Air Force===
{{Main|Royal Canadian Air Force}}
[[File:Operation Inherent Resolve 150304-F-MG591-123.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Royal Canadian Air Force]] [[McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet|CF-18 Hornet]] over [[Iraq]] in support of [[Operation Impact]]]]
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is headed by the [[commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force]]. The commander of [[Royal Canadian Air Force#1 Canadian Air Division|1 Canadian Air Division]] and [[North American Aerospace Defense Command#Canadian NORAD Region|Canadian NORAD Region]], based in [[Winnipeg]], is responsible for the operational [[command and control]] of Air Force activities throughout Canada and worldwide. 1 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out through eleven [[Wing (military aviation unit)|wings]] located across Canada. The commander of [[2 Canadian Air Division]] is responsible for training and support functions. 2 Canadian Air Division operations are carried out at two wings. [[3 Canadian Space Division]] is responsible for delivering space power effects in support of Canadian Armed Forces operations, including space domain awareness, space-based support of military operations, and defending and protecting military space capabilities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/3-canadian-space-division.html | title=3 Canadian Space Division |publisher=Department of National Defence | date=8 August 2022 | access-date=14 August 2022}}</ref> Wings represent the grouping of various [[squadron (aviation)|squadrons]], both operational and support, under a single [[military tactics|tactical]] commander reporting to the operational commander and vary in size from several hundred personnel to several thousand.

Major air bases are in [[British Columbia]], Alberta, [[Saskatchewan]], Manitoba, [[Ontario]], Quebec, [[Nova Scotia]], and [[Newfoundland and Labrador]], while administrative and command and control facilities are in Winnipeg and [[North Bay, Ontario|North Bay]]. A Canadian component of the NATO Airborne Early Warning Force is also based at [[NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen]] near [[Geilenkirchen]], Germany.

The RCAF and [[Joint Task Force (North)]] (JTFN) also maintain at various points throughout Canada's northern region a chain of forward operating locations, each capable of supporting fighter operations. Elements of CF-18 [[squadron (aviation)|squadrons]] periodically deploy to these airports for short training exercises or Arctic sovereignty patrols.

===Canadian Joint Operations Command===
{{Main|Canadian Joint Operations Command}}

Canadian Joint Operations Command is an operational element established in October 2012 with the merger of [[Canada Command]], [[Canadian Expeditionary Force Command]] and [[Canadian Operational Support Command]]. The new command, created as a response to the cost-cutting measures in the 2012 federal budget, combines the resources, roles and responsibilities of the three former commands under a single headquarters.

===Canadian Special Operations Forces Command===
{{Main|Canadian Special Operations Forces Command}}
[[File:Canadian special operations regiment freefall jump at Hurlburt Field.JPG|thumb|Members of the [[Canadian Special Operations Regiment]] during a freefall jump out of a [[United States Air Force|USAF]] [[C-17 Globemaster III]]. The regiment is one of five units that make up [[Canadian Special Operations Forces Command|CANSOFCOM]].]]
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is a formation capable of operating independently but primarily focused on generating [[special operations forces]] (SOF) elements to support CJOC. The command includes [[Joint Task Force 2]] (JTF2), the [[Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit]] (CJIRU) based at CFB Trenton, as well as the [[Canadian Special Operations Regiment]] (CSOR) and [[427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron]] (SOAS) based at CFB Petawawa.

===Information Management Group===
Among other things, the Information Management Group is responsible for the conduct of electronic warfare and the protection of the Armed Forces' communications and computer networks. Within the group, this operational role is fulfilled by the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group, headquartered at CFS Leitrim in Ottawa, which operates the following units: the Canadian Forces Information Operations Group Headquarters (CFIOGHQ), the Canadian Forces Electronic Warfare Centre (CFEWC), the Canadian Forces Network Operations Centre (CFNOC), the Canadian Forces Signals Intelligence Operations Centre (CFSOC), the [[CFS Leitrim|Canadian Forces Station (CFS) Leitrim]], and the 764 Communications Squadron. In June 2011 the Canadian Armed Forces Chief of Force Development announced the establishment of a new organization, the Directorate of Cybernetics, headed by a Brigadier-General, the Director General Cyber (DG Cyber). Within that directorate, the newly established CAF Cyber Task Force has been tasked to design and build cyber warfare capabilities for the Canadian Armed Forces.<ref>The Maple Leaf, 22 June 2011, Vol. 14, No. 22, p.3</ref><ref>Khang Pham, Cyber Security: Do Your Part, The Maple Leaf, Vol. 15, No. 2, February 2012, p.12</ref>

===Royal Canadian Medical Service===
The [[Royal Canadian Medical Service]] is a personnel branch of the CAF, consisting of all members of medical occupations.

===Royal Canadian Dental Corps===
The [[Royal Canadian Dental Corps]] is a personnel branch of the CAF.

===Canadian Forces Health Services Group===
{{Main|Canadian Forces Health Services Group}}
The Health Services Group is a joint formation that includes over 120 general or specialized units and detachments providing health services to the Canadian Armed Forces. With few exceptions, all elements are under command of the Commander, who may also be appointed [[Surgeon General (Canada)|Surgeon General]] when the position is filled by a medical officer, for domestic support and force generation, or temporarily assigned under command of a deployed Joint Task Force through [[Canadian Joint Operations Command]].<ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/default-eng.asp "Canadian Forces Health Services website"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217230155/http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/default-eng.asp |date=17 February 2012 }} Retrieved on 18 February 2012</ref><ref>[http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/pub/sgr-rmc-2010/default-eng.asp "Canadian Forces Health Services Group Surgeon General's Report 2010"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111227105738/http://www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante/pub/sgr-rmc-2010/default-eng.asp |date=27 December 2011 }} Retrieved on 18 February 2012</ref>

===Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command===
On 26 September 2024, [[Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command]] (CAFCYBERCOM) was established.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://canadiandefencereview.com/canadian-armed-forces-establishes-a-new-cyber-command/ |title=CAFCYBERCOM – The CAF’s New Established Cyber Command |website=Canadian Defence Review |date=26 September 2024 |access-date=15 January 2025}}</ref>