The Evolving Requirements of the Canadian Special Operations Forces: A Future Concept Paper
Abstract
Colonel Paul Taillon's 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 world's 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 Canada's 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. Taillon's 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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA495393
Entities
People
- J. P. De B. Taillon