Joint Task Force 2

Joint Task Force 2
Joint Task Force 2
	File:Jtf2.jpg JTF 2 Insignia
Active	1993 - Present
Country	Canada
Branch	Personnel come from all branches
Type	Special Forces
Role	Versatile Special Operations Force, mainly trained for Counter-Terrorism.
Size	250+
Part of	Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
Garrison/HQ	Dwyer Hill Training Centre
Nickname(s)	JTF2, Dwyer Hill Ski Team
Motto(s)	Facta non verba
Colors	Tan Beret (CANSOFCOM)
Commanders
Current; commander	Colonel David E. Barr, CD
Notable; commanders	Colonel Barry MacLeod, Lieutenant Colonel Ray Romses, Captain R.J. McLean

Joint Task Force 2 (JTF 2) is the Canadian Forces responsible for Special Operations and is subordinate to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). the primary role for JTF 2 is counter-terrorism, however, secondary roles include, surveillance, security advice and close personal protection. JTF 2 and the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) form the core of Canada's special operations forces. JTF 2 has become particularly widely heard of, though as a secret unit little is known of its precise composition or accomplishments on overseas missions.

Joint Task Force Two

Special Operation Forces (SOF) duties in Canada began to be performed by JTF 2 in 1993. There is high level of secrecy surrounding JTF 2. In 2002, author David Pugliese published a book[1] was the first book to seriously look JTF 2 activities.</ref> Recently, the Canadian Forces (CF) has created a website [2][3]dedicated to JTF 2 that contains more information on the selection and training process. Most of the following information dealing with the selection process s derive from that website.

Motto

The Joint Task Force 2's motto is Facta non verba, Latin for "Deeds, not words."

Regalia

Members of JTF 2 wear the tan beret.

Mission

The JTF 2 is the Canadian Forces unit responsible for federal Counter-Terrorist operations whose mission is to provide a unit capable of rendering armed assistance in the resolution of an incident that is affecting, or has the potential to affect, the national interest. While the unit has a primary focus on counter-terrorism it is expected to be employed on other high value strategic tasks. It is unclear at present how the role of JTF2 has been affected by the creation of CSOR.

Unit history

JTF 2 does not perpetuate any conventional unit and it is believed the unit is not organized along conventional lines.

JTF 2 was created on 1 April 1993, when the Canadian Forces assumed responsibility for federal counter-terrorism operations from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Special Emergency Response Team or SERT. Since its inception, the unit has continuously evolved to meet modern-day threats, focusing in particular on the "elusive, sophisticated and determined enemy" such as those responsible for the events of 11 September 2001. JTF 2 is continuously developing new capabilities, technologies, and tactics.

JTF 2 recognizes the year 2001 as an important milestone in its history when the unit was committed to the International Special Operations Forces coalition in Afghanistan. This deployment was the first time JTF 2 was used in a combat role outside Canada. The unit played a critical role in coalition Special Operations Forces and earned the respect of Canada’s allies for its professionalism.

Command, Control, and Organization

JTF 2 is a subordinate unit to CANSOFCOM which in turn reports directly to the National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ). Very little is known about unit composition, but it is believed that it is organized similar to the British Special Air Service (i.e. a headquarters unit plus an unknown number of squadrons). The exact number of members is unknown but speculation is that the initial size was around 250, with possible recent expansion to 600.[4]

Selection and Training

JTF 2 candidates can come from all branches and all elements (air, land and sea) of the Canadian Forces, not just army units as is the case with allied SOF units. Regular Force candidates must be trade qualified and have at least two years in service. Reservists must have at least three years in service. Length of service can be from four to six years.

JTF 2 personnel are divided into two categories: Category A - Special Operations Assaulters (SOA) who are directly employed in the tactical aspects of special operations and other high value tasks; and Category B - Support Personnel (SP) and Specialists fill positions in Staff Officer, support, and specialist positions. This category also includes the Special Operations Coxswain position.

Candidates for JTF 2 are expected to be physically fit, capable of high levels of stamina and mental endurance. The minimum fitness level is as follows:

Category A - Special Operations Assaulters:

   * 1.5 mile run - 9 min 45 sec or less
   * Push ups (no rest stops) - min 40
   * Sit-ups (1 minute) - min 40
   * Over hand, straight arm pull-ups - min 5
   * Bench press from chest to full arm extension - 1 press min 65 KG
   * CF Swim Test

Category B - Specialists:

   * 1.5 mile run - 11 min or less
   * Push ups (no rest stops) - min 40
   * Sit-ups (1 minute) - min 40
   * Over hand, straight arm pull-ups - min 5
   * Bench press from chest to full arm extension - 1 press min 65 KG

   Note: The members must exert maximum effort during every exercise.

Category B - Support Personnel

   * Successful completion of CF EXPRESS, however, exempt is preferred.

Special Operations Assaulters (SOA) Selection Process

Candidates for the SOA positions go through a four phase selection process. In Phase I the candidate puts his/her application through their units chain of command. In Phase II the candidate must pass the JTF 2 physical fitness test and the CF Swim Test. Once the physical tests have been successfully completed, the candidate takes a screening test which includes a cognitive ability test/selection interview to assess that they have the attributes necessary required for JTF 2 candidates. In the third phase the candidates are take part in a seven day assessment period to assess whether they are capable of successfully passing the Special Operations Assaulter Course (SOAC) During this seven day period the candidate are pushed to their physical/mental limits. The candidates are test a highly stressful environment where they are tested on their ability to identify and react to threats, weapons safety, and decision making under physical and stressful duress. They are also assessed on various attributes including:

    * Physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic;
    * Performing effectively at heights, in water and confined spaces;
    * Team work;
    * Problem solving; and
    * Interpersonal skills.

For officers Phase III is slightly longer as it includes an extra three day period where they are tested on their organizational, analytical, communication and presentation skills.

After passing the Phase III, the candidates enter the Phase IV which is a seven - eight month long Special Operations Assaulter Course (SOAC).

If the candidate passes the SOAC they are promoted to the rank of Master-Corporal/Master Seaman and join the unit as basic as an assaulter where they are expected to perform the following skills:

    * Efficient and safe handling of a variety of civilian/military weapons;
    * Efficient and safe handling of explosives;
    * Operating a variety of communications equipment;
    * First aid;
    * Field craft, including patrolling and navigation;
    * As a team member perform insertion/extraction drills using air, land and sea equipment; and
    * Rappelling.

Support and Specialist Members Selection Process

Candidates for the specialists and support roles also go through a four phase selection process, however, there are some differences than the selection process for the assaulters. Th main difference is that they do not have to take the seven month SOAC. In Phase I candidates submit their applications through the their units chain of command. During Phase II, the candidate must successfully complete the CF physical fitness, however, they do not have to complete the CF Swim Test not the screening test that assaulters are required to take. In Phase III the candidates application, fitness test results an related documentation is forwarded to JTF 2 for review. Specialist and support candidates do not have to take the seven day assessment phase. Finally, during the Phase IV process the candidates are invited to an interview and psychological testing. Postings for specialist and support can be from four to six years depending depending on their rank and experience level.

Special Operations Coxswain Selection Process

Prior to selection, candidates for Special Operations Coxswain positions must undergo a four phase selection process. In Phase I the candidates their application through their units chain of command. Phase II the candidates must pass JTF 2 physical fitness test and the CF Swim Test. In addition, they must take he same screening test that candidates the assaulters take to determine their suitability for JTF 2. In Phase III the candidates undertake a four day assessment process. During this assessment the candidates are pushed to their physical and mental limits while under physical and mental duress. Here they are assessed on the following criteria:

  * Physical fitness (aerobic and anaerobic); 
  * Performing effectively at heights, in water and in confined spaces; 
  * Team work; 
  * Emotional stability; and 
  * Interpersonal skills.

In Phase IV the candidates attend a three month Special Operations Craft Course (SOCC) where there are trained in the following skills:

  * Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) RHIOT (Ridgid Hull Inflatable Operator Training);
  * CCG Small Boat Course;
  * Special Insertion/Extraction Techniques;
  * Advanced Shooting; and
  * Medical and Communication Skills.

After the successful completion of the SOCC, the new JFtf 2 members can be expected to serve tour of four-six years. Some of the skills the Cox'n can expect to use include:

   * Preparing, launching and high speed tactical driving of the Special Operations Craft (SOC);
   * Navigating to/from operational and training objectives;
   * Performing user maintenance on the SOC, vehicles and trailers; and
   * Proficiently and safely handling a variety of civilian and military weapons.

Operations

Afghanistan: 2001-Present

Forty JTF 2 Operators were sent to Afghanistan in December 2001, two months after then Minister of Defence, Art Eggleton, announced that Canada would be sending troops into Afghanistan to aide the removal of the Taliban. The CF does comment on what other SOF units JTF 2 works with but it is likely that it works with their American and British counterparts and most likely SOF units from other NATO countries.

An estimated 40 members of JTF 2 serving with Task Force KBAR were awarded a Presidential Unit Citation (US) for service in Afghanistan in 2004. However, these members were not allowed to wear their ribbons due to fears by the Canadian government that the award would identify them as members of the counter-terrorist unit[5].

Very little is known on JTF 2 operations in Afghanistan, but during a conference Chief of Defence Staff General Hillier, (CDS) stated that JTF 2 is in "high demand" and that they are considered to be "world class." He went on to say that the unit is providing direct support to the Afghanistan government and that targeting the Taliban leadership in southern Afghanistan. He stated that "trying to neutralize those leaders is a key part of their role and that's they will continue to do."[6]

Haiti 2004

According to the CBC, JTF 2 was in Haiti at the time that Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide was ousted from power. They protected the Canadian embassy, and secured the airport.

Iraq 2006

On Thursday 23 March 2006, The Pentagon and the British Foreign Office both commented on the instrumental role JTF 2 played in rescuing the British and Canadian Christian Peacemaker Team that were being held hostage in Iraq.^[1]

Unconfirmed Action

There has been much speculation in the Canadian media on possible JTF-2 operational deployments. Speculation has focused on possible JTF 2 deployments in Nepal, Zaire, the Kosovo War, Rwanda, Tanzania, Peru, Congo, Sudan, Bolivia and in conflicts involving native groups in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia, and other local security threats.[7] In early November 2006,The Conservative defence critic stated that JTF-2 had been deployed to Kosovo, however, this was denied the Prime Minister Jean Chretien.[8]. There are reports indicating that elements from JTF 2 in November 1996 were deployed to Rwanda in support of the "CF Operation Assurance” [9]. Other unconfirmed reports have placed JTF-2 in and Bosnia.

Unit accountability

JTF 2 is a unit of the CF and is subject to exactly the same code of conduct, military discipline and overriding Criminal Code statutes as any other military unit. Due to the strategic nature of its operations, the unit answers directly to the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff in the chain of command. Like other units of the CF, JTF 2 follows Rules Of Engagements (ROE) authorized by the Chief of the Defence Staff and are accountable to the military and civilian justice systems. They must follow the same regulations and orders as the rest of the CF. Like any other CF unit, internal oversight bodies such as the Chief of Review Services, the Military Police Complaints Commission, the Pay and Allowances Review Board, the Access to Information Office and the CF Ombudsman all have access to JTF 2, if required, to carry out their duties.

The names of JTF2 members are not released because of the secrecy that surrounds the unit. On 21 December 2006, a Federal Court judge rejected a request to proceed with a court martial against an unnamed JTF 2 officer, accused of assaulting and mistreating a subordinate, because court martial requests require that the accused be named. The judge suggested that they explore other avenues to proceed with the court martial.^[2]

Professionalism

JTF 2 is comprised of CF members employed in assaulter and supporter roles. All members are carefully screened for service in the unit but it is the assaulters who undergo a selection and training regime for eventual service in the fighting arm of the unit. Any member of the CF, regular or reserve, can apply to become a member of JTF 2 after completing 2 years of service (3 years for reservists) and meeting other initial entry requirements. Members of JTF 2 are highly motivated, dedicated, mature, mentally robust and physically fit. Potential assaulters are carefully screened to ensure that they meet these criteria and are the type of team-oriented and highly-skilled professional soldier, sailor or airman that can effectively function in this high stress environment. On average, only one in ten candidates that arrive at the unit for final selection will actually become a JTF 2 assaulter.

The standards established for selection and employment with the unit are scientifically designed and validated at the CF Dwyer Hill Training Centre in order to ensure that the members selected will be capable of accomplishing all tasks assigned to the unit. These standards include physical abilities, professionalism, integrity, psychological profile, mental aptitude, discipline, and maturity. These standards are required of all unit members, are tested regularly, and are an integral part of the JTF2 ethos.

Security

JTF 2 is subject to very stringent security procedures in order to protect the unit and its mission. However, JTF 2 has conducted capability demonstrations for appropriate authorities. The Government has also notified the public about its creation in 1993, its expansion following 11 September 2001, and the JTF 2 commitment to Afghanistan in 2001, as well as by responding to media questions about the unit within the limits of the security policy. However, it says that being open and transparent about certain aspects of the unit could seriously compromise its effectiveness.

The future

The Federal Budget of December 2001 allocated approximately $120 million over six years to expand unit capabilities and double its size (bringing it to an estimated 600), as part of the Government of Canada’s overall plan following the attacks of 11 September 2001. Since then the unit has embarked on a program of expansion and capability enhancement while at the same time maintaining its high operational and training standards.

JTF 2 must be ready to respond immediately to any task assigned by the chain of command at home or abroad. The unit maintains the highest operational readiness standards in order to defend Canada against terrorism. On land, at sea and in the air, JTF2 challenges itself to ensure it's ready to defeat a multitude of potential threats.

In April 2005, the Canadian government's new defence policy statement was made public. It included a concept of first responders for international tasks consisting of "special forces" (such as an expanded JTF 2) supported by one of the light battalions. This concept of operations is similar to the US Army Rangers or the new Special Forces Support Group of the UK Special Forces Group, both of which support high-level Special Forces units. This eventually led to the formation of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR).

External links

References

^ http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2006/03/23/ot-jtf2-rescue20060323.html
^ MacCharles, Tonda. "'Secret' soldier can't be charged", Toronto Star, 22 December 2006.

[1] ttp://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2006/03/23/ot-jtf2-rescue20060323.html

[2] MacCharles, Tonda. "'Secret' soldier can't be charged", Toronto Star, 22 December 2006.

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