Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are the unified military forces of Canada. They include the sea, land, air, and special operations forces. These are the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. The CAF is connected to the Department of National Defence but operates on its own under the National Defence Act.

The Governor General is the commander-in-chief of the Canadian Armed Forces. The chief of the Defence Staff leads the CAF's daily work. This leader works with the minister of national defence and the Armed Forces Council to manage the forces.

In 2026–2027, Canada plans to spend about US$37.75 billion on its military. This is roughly 1.6 percent of the country's total economy, or gross domestic product. The CAF is a volunteer force with around 100,000 people. Most serve full-time, and others serve part-time.

Canada is known for its history of peacekeeping. The country usually joins military actions only when approved by the United Nations, such as through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The CAF also includes important groups like Canadian Forces Intelligence Command and Canadian Joint Operations Command. People can serve full-time in the Regular Force or in part-time roles, including the Primary Reserve, Supplementary Reserve, Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, and the Canadian Rangers.

History

Main article: Military history of Canada

See also: History of the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Monarchy of Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces § History

Origins and establishment

Before 1867, people living in what is now Canada were part of French and British forces or local groups that helped protect their areas. They helped during important wars like the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. They also helped during events like the Fenian raids, Red River Rebellion, and North-West Rebellion. Because of this, some Canadian Army units today can trace their history back to the late 1700s.

For many years, the British Crown was in charge of military command. A commander-in-chief for North America was based in Halifax until British troops and ships left in 1906. After that, the Royal Canadian Navy was created, and later, the Royal Canadian Air Force was formed. These forces were organized under the Department of Militia and Defence and split into two groups. By 1923, this department became part of the Department of National Defence.

Canadian forces first fought overseas during the Second Boer War, and later in the First World War. Important battles for Canada in this war included the Second Battle of Ypres, the Battle of the Somme, the Battle of Vimy Ridge, the Second Battle of Passchendaele, and many others.

During this time, Canada began to build its own army, navy, and air force. Because of Canada’s role in the First World War, it gained more control over its military matters in 1931. In 1940, the Canadian militia was renamed the Canadian Army. In the 1950s, part-time soldiers were again called "Militia."

Canada joined the Second World War in 1939. Key battles for Canada in this war included the Battle of the Atlantic, the Battle of Britain, the Battle of Hong Kong, the Dieppe Raid, the invasion of Sicily and Italy, Operation Overlord, and bombing German cities from the air.

Since 1947, Canada has been part of many military operations around the world. Canadian soldiers, sailors, and air crews are known for their skill and have served in important NATO missions, the Korean War, the First Gulf War, the Kosovo War, and United Nations Peacekeeping operations in places like the Suez Crisis, Golan Heights, Cyprus, Croatia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Libya.

Canada operated an aircraft carrier from 1957 to 1970 during the Cold War. It never fought but helped during events like the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Since unification

See also: Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces and Structure of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989

The current Canadian Armed Forces began on February 1, 1968, when the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were combined into one unified group with three main areas: Air Command, Land Force, and Maritime Command. On August 16, 2011, these areas went back to their old names, but the unified structure of the Canadian Armed Forces stayed the same.

During this time, Canadian Forces have helped in NATO efforts in Europe, United Nations peacekeeping, and combat missions. They fought in Afghanistan until 2011 as part of a NATO mission.

The Forces have also helped Canada during emergencies and natural disasters. After the 1997 Red River flood in Manitoba, many military members helped with evacuations. After the 1998 North American ice storm, many troops were sent to help. In 2003, after forest fires in British Columbia, soldiers were sent to help.

Early 2000s modernization efforts

The Constitution of Canada gives the federal government control over national defence. In the 2007–2010 fiscal year, Canada spent money on defence. Extra money was added in 2005 and 2010 for new equipment and more troops.

In 2008, Canada started the “Canada First Defence Strategy” to modernize the Forces with new equipment and better training. Efforts included buying new trucks, transport planes, helicopters, and support ships. Recruitment had been low in the 1980s and 1990s. A survey in 2008 showed that most Canadians supported Canada’s role in Afghanistan and wanted a stronger military.

Renewal and new equipment efforts brought in main battle tanks, artillery, unmanned aircraft, and other systems for the mission in Afghanistan. The Forces also updated older equipment and bought new strategic transport planes and heavy-lift helicopters.

Peacekeeping

Main article: Canadian peacekeeping

Role of women

In the 1950s, women could join the forces only in some jobs. In 1971, more roles opened up for women. By 1989, all jobs were open to women except submarine service, which opened in 2000. Women now have the same protective gear as men and wear uniforms designed for their bodies.

In recent years, there have been discussions about improving the culture within the Canadian Armed Forces to make it safer and more respectful for everyone. Efforts are being made to address concerns and create a better environment for all members.

Structure

The Crown has long occupied a central position in the Canadian Armed Forces. The National Defence Act says that "the Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada, consisting of one service called the Canadian Armed Forces" and the Constitution Act, 1867, gives command-in-chief of the Forces to the country's sovereign, who, since 1904, has allowed his or her viceroy, the governor general, to carry out those duties. All orders about sending troops, including declarations of war, are part of the royal prerogative.

The Canadian Armed Forces have many people split into a hierarchy of numerous ranks of officers and non-commissioned members. The governor general chooses, based on the prime minister's advice, the chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) as the top commissioned officer in the Armed Forces. The CDS leads the Armed Forces Council, which includes the vice chief of the Defence Staff and the leaders of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Canadian Joint Operations Command, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and some other important people. The Armed Forces Council usually works from National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Canadian Armed Forces work from 27 Canadian Forces bases (CFB) across the country, including NDHQ. Both officers and non-commissioned members get their basic training at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Officers often join with a degree from a civilian university or graduate from the Royal Military College of Canada. Special training happens at many places in Canada and sometimes around the world.

As of 2013, the Canadian Forces had Regular Force members and reservists, for a total of about 95,000 people. They work at many Canadian Forces bases across the country and follow the "Queen's Regulations and Orders" and the National Defence Act.

Canadian Army

The Canadian Army is the land part of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is set up into five geographic divisions that lead groups and their combat and support units, ready to send forces for operations both in Canada and around the world.

Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy is the sea part of the Canadian Armed Forces. It has two fleets, Atlantic and Pacific, with support from naval air, training, and shore bases. It is ready to send naval forces for operations in Canada and worldwide.

Royal Canadian Air Force

The Royal Canadian Air Force is the air and space part of the Canadian Armed Forces. It is set up into numbered air divisions and wings that lead flying squadrons and support units, ready to use air power for operations in Canada and around the world.

1 Canadian Air Division (CAD)

2 Canadian Air Division (2 CAD)

3 Canadian Space Division (3 CSD)

Royal Canadian Air Force Aerospace Warfare Centre (RCAF AWC)

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is a unified group in the Canadian Armed Forces that looks after Canada’s special operations abilities.

Canadian Forces Intelligence Command

Canadian Forces Intelligence Command (CFINTCOM) gives reliable and timely defence information to help Canada’s national security goals.

Canadian Joint Operations Command

Canadian Joint Operations Command (CJOC) leads most Canadian Armed Forces operations in Canada, North America, and around the world.

Military Personnel Command

Military Personnel Command (MILPERSCOM) gives guidance to the Canadian Armed Forces on managing military personnel.

Vice Chief of the Defence Staff

The Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada) makes sure that Department of National Defence policies and goals are met. We manage the National Defence headquarters, and all HQ activities.

Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force

The Canadian Armed Forces have about 50,000 reserve members who help during big emergencies. In May 2025, leaders made a plan to grow this number to 400,000. This would include 100,000 in the Primary Reserve and 300,000 in the Supplementary Reserve.

Primary Reserve

Main article: Primary Reserve

About 26,000 trained soldiers, sailors, and air crew are in the Primary Reserve. They work with regular forces and help when needed. They are in groups like the Naval Reserve, Land Force Reserve, and Air Reserve.

Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service

The Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) helps train nearly 60,000 cadets aged 12 to 18 years through the Canadian Cadet Organization. Most COATS members are officers in the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) branch.

Canadian Rangers

The Canadian Rangers patrol and watch over Canada’s arctic and remote areas, helping to protect the country’s northern regions.

Canadian Military Bases

Main article: Canadian Forces base

Canada has many military bases across the country. These bases support the Canadian Armed Forces with their work, training, and supplies. Some bases are for the Army, some for the Navy, and some for the Air Force. Many bases are used by more than one part of the military. They help with training and important missions to protect Canada and work with other countries.

Defence policy

Since the Second World War, Canada's defence policy has three main goals: protecting Canada, working with US forces to protect North America, and helping keep the world safe.

During the Cold War, Canada helped keep Europe safe by stationing soldiers and planes there. After the Cold War, Canada's military joined missions in places like Afghanistan. Today, Canada's defence plans follow the 2017 strategy called Strong, Secure and Engaged, which gives more money to the military.

Canada's military also works on defence diplomacy, sending representatives to meetings and visiting other countries to build friendships and work together.

Ranks

The Canadian Armed Forces use special titles and symbols to show who is in charge and who works under them. This helps everyone know their roles and respect each other. You can see how they look and what they mean in a special guide.

Uniforms

Main article: Uniforms of the Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces have four main types of uniforms. Each uniform has a different color: navy blue (which is actually black) for the navy, rifle green for the army, light blue for the air force, and khaki for special operations. Soldiers usually wear the uniform that matches their job.

These uniforms come in five styles. They are: ceremonial dress for special events, mess dress for formal dinners, service dress for everyday office-like settings, operational dress for everyday wear on base, and occupational dress for specific jobs like medical work. Service dress is the most versatile and can be worn for both everyday activities and formal events. In cold weather, special parkas are allowed.

Symbolism and honours

The Canadian Armed Forces use many traditions and symbols from the United Kingdom, including those linked to royalty. Today, their symbols also show parts of Canada and the Canadian monarchy. Members of the country's royal family have special ties to different parts of the forces.

The monarch is the source of all honours. Canada has a special system of awards for brave and valuable service. This includes the Victoria Cross, Order of Military Merit, Cross of Valour, Star of Courage, and Medal of Bravery. The Victoria Cross is the highest honour in Canada. Many Canadians received this award from the United Kingdom before Canada made its own version in 1993. No Canadians have received this award since 1945.

In the 1960s, the names of the Navy, Army, and Air Force were changed. On August 16, 2011, the names were changed back to include “Royal.” This was done to honour Canada’s military history and to match other Commonwealth realms that use the word “Royal” in their military names. Some people thought the change was for political reasons.

Military families

The 2021 Census showed that Canada had 345,180 military families. This is about 3.4% of all families in the country. This group included 53,510 families where at least one person is currently serving in the military.

Most of these military families were couples where one partner served and the other did not. Some families had both partners serving, or one partner who had served before and is now a Veteran. A smaller number were families with only one parent, and that parent was serving in the military.

Most military families in Canada were Veteran families. This means at least one person in the family had served in the military before. In places like Ottawa–Gatineau, Halifax, and Québec, active military families were a smaller part compared to Veteran and non-military families.

Active military families were more likely to have moved to a different province or territory in the past five years than Veteran and non-military families.