Joint Task Force 2

Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2)
File:///C:/Users/Mom and Dad/Desktop/CanadaJTF2 logo1.jpg JTF2 Insignia
Active	1993–present
Country	Canada
Branch	Tri-Services
Type	Special Forces
Role	Special Forces
Part of	Canadian Special Operations Forces Command
Garrison/HQ	Dwyer Hill Training Centre
Nickname(s)	JTF2
Motto(s)	Facta non verba (Deeds, not words)
Engagements	2005-2006 Christian Peacemaker hostage crisis, 2004 Haiti Crisis, War in Afghanistan (other operations are deemed classified by Canadian Forces)
Decorations	United States Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
Notable commanders	Colonel Barry MacLeod, Lieutenant Colonel Ray Romses

Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) was formed on April 1, 1993 and is the Canadian Forces unit responsible for counter-terrorist operations. Its 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. JTF2 is subordinate to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command and, along with the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR), forms the core of Canada's special operations forces.

While the unit has a primary focus on counter-terrorism, its roles have expanded over the years and it has likely assumed roles similar to that of other allied SOF units such as the British Special Air Service (SAS) and the United States Delta Force.

The Canadian government has been very secretive about releasing any information about the capabilities, organization and operational missions of the unit. However, some information has appeared. In 2002, author David Pugliese published a book, "Canada's Secret Commandos: The Unauthorized Story of Joint Task Force Two". This is the first book to examine JTF2 seriously. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has a web page with information on the unit. In 2008, Denis Morrisett, a former member of JTF2 published a book about JTF2, named Nous étions invincibles.

Recently, the Canadian Forces (CF) has created a website dedicated to JTF2, which contains more information on the selection and training process. Most of the following information is derived from that website.

Unit history

JTF2 does not perpetuate any conventional unit and it is believed the unit is not organized along conventional lines. JTF2's name was derived from JTF4, a joint military and police unit involved with drug enforcement in Florida, which was viewed by then deputy defence minister, Robert Fowler, on a 1992 visit to that state. JTF"2" was selected to add mystery to the unit as there has never been a JTF"1" in the CF.

JTF2 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 September 11, 2001 attacks. JTF2 is continuously developing new capabilities, technologies, and tactics.

JTF2 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 JTF2 was acknowledged to have served 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

JTF2 is a subordinate unit to CANSOFCOM which in turn reports directly to National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa. Very little is known about unit composition, but it is believed that it is organized in a similar fashion to the Special Air Service (e.g. 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 a possible recent expansion to 600.

Selection and training

JTF2 candidates can come from all branches and all elements (air, land and sea) of the Canadian Forces. Regular Force candidates must be trade qualified and have at least two years in service. Reservists must have at least three years in service.

JTF2 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 and specialist personnel (SP) fill positions in staff officer, support, and specialist positions. This category also includes the special operations coxswain position.

Candidates for JTF2 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:

• 2.4 km run: 9 minutes 45 seconds or less
• Push ups (no rest stops): minimum 40
• Sit-ups (1 minute): minimum 40
• Over hand, straight arm pull-ups: minimum 5
• Bench press from chest to full arm extension: 1 press minimum 65 kg
• CF Swim Test

Category B – specialists:

• 2.4 km run: 11 minutes or less
• Push ups (no rest stops): minimum 40
• Sit-ups (1 minute): minimum 40
• Over hand, straight arm pull-ups: minimum 5
• Bench press from chest to full arm extension: 1 press minimum 65 kg

The members must exert maximum effort during every exercise. Also, all exercises are scored out of a possible 30 points (150 possible points total). Members must score 75 points or more to pass; meeting the minimum standard in all five events will give only 55 points or, in other words, failure. If the physical test is failed, a second chance is rarely granted to enter JTF2.

Category B – support personnel:

• Exempt on CF Expres test.

Special operations assaulters selection process

Candidates for the SOA positions go through a four-phase selection process. In Phase I the candidate puts an application through their unit's chain of command. In Phase II the candidate must pass the JTF2 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 and selection interview to assess that they have the attributes necessary required for JTF2 candidates. In the third phase the candidates 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 candidates are pushed to their physical and mental limits. The candidates are placed in 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 mental 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-to-eight-month-long Special Operations Assaulter Course (SOAC).

If the candidate passes the SOAC they are promoted to the rank of master corporal or master seaman and join the unit as an assaulter where they are expected to perform the following skills:

• Efficient and safe handling of a variety of civilian and 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 and 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 selection process, however, there are differences compared to the selection process for assaulter candidates. The main difference is that they do not have to take the seven-month SOAC. In Phase I candidates submit their applications through their unit's chain of command. During Phase II, the candidate must successfully complete the CF Expres Test or Specialist Physical Fitness Test, however, they do not have to complete the CF Swim Test and the screening process is done at a later phase than in the assaulters application process. In Phase III the candidates application, fitness test results and related documentation is forwarded to JTF2 for review. Specialist and support candidates do not do a seven-day selection. Finally, during the Phase IV process the candidates are invited for a job interview and psychological testing. Postings for specialist and support average four to six years in length depending on 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 submit their application through their unit's chain of command. During Phase II the candidates must pass the JTF2 Specialist Physical Fitness Test and the CF Swim Test. In addition, they must take the same screening test that assaulter candidates take to determine their suitability for JTF2. In Phase III the candidates undertake a four-day assessment process. During this assessment the candidates are pushed to their physical and mental limits 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;
• Teamwork;
• Emotional stability; and
• Interpersonal skills.

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

• Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) RHIOT (Ridgid Hull Inflatable Operator Training);
• CCG Small Boat Course;
• Special insertion and extraction techniques;
• Advanced shooting; and
• Medical and communication skills.

After the successful completion of the SOCC, the candidates may be selected to serve as coxswains with JTF2. Some of the skills the coxswains can expect to use include:

• Preparing, launching and high speed tactical driving of the Special Operations Craft (SOC);
• Navigating to and 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 JTF2 Operators were sent to Afghanistan in December 2001, two months after then Minister of Defence, Art Eggleton, announced that Canada would be sending troops to Afghanistan to aid the removal of the Taliban. The CF does not comment on what other SOF units JTF2 works with but it is likely that its American and British counterparts and possibly SOF units from other NATO countries.

In 2004, an estimated 40 members of JTF2 serving with Task Force KBAR were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation by the United States government for service in Afghanistan. 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.

Very little is known on JTF2 operations in Afghanistan, but during a conference the Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, stated that JTF2 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 is targeting the Taliban leadership in southern Afghanistan. He stated that "trying to help neutralize those leaders is a key part of their role and that's what they will continue to do."

Haiti 2004

According to the CBC, JTF2 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 JTF2 played in rescuing the British and Canadian Christian Peacemaker Team that were being held hostage in Iraq. But implication of JTF2 was unconfirmed by Canadian officials.

Unconfirmed action

There has been much speculation in the Canadian media on possible JTF2 operational deployments. Speculation has focused on possible JTF2 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.[1] In early November 2000, Conservative Defence Critic David Price stated that JTF2 had been deployed to Kosovo, however, this was denied by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and Defence Minister Art Eggleton.[2]. There are reports indicating that elements from JTF2 in November 1996 were deployed to Rwanda in support of the "CF Operation Assurance” [3]. Other unconfirmed reports have placed JTF2 in Bosnia. In his book Enduring the Freedom, Sean M. Maloney reported that during operations in Afghanistan, Canada's JTF2 was the only foreign unit accepted to join American Tier 1 special operations units, such as 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) and DEVGRU in Task Force 11 whose job it was to hunt high value Al Qaeda and Taliban personnel.

Unit accountability

JTF2 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, JTF2 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 JTF2, 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 JTF2 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.

Also, JTF2 has experienced only one known loss of an operator in a combat operation. Master Cpl. Anthony Klumpenhouwer, 25, died on April 18, 2007, while working on a communications tower in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Professionalism

JTF2 is composed 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 JTF2 after completing two years of service (three years for reservists) and meeting other initial entry requirements. Members of JTF2 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 JTF2 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, regardless of rank, and are tested regularly.

Security

JTF2 is subject to very stringent security procedures in order to protect the unit and its mission. However, JTF2 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 JTF2 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.

2010 Winter Olympics

Since late 2008, the Canadian Forces with the close collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Vancouver Police Department plan to make a massive protection for the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Paralympics. Evaluated of more than $900 million Canadian dollars, the protection will be undertaken with the assistance of JTF-2 unveil in March 2009 according to the Vice-Admiral P. Dean McFadden.

Equipment

Weapons

• Heckler & Koch MP5
• FN P90
• Colt Canada C7 and C8
• Entire line of Sig Sauer pistols

Vehicles

• Rheinmetall YAK
• HMMWV

Future Equipment

According to Colonel D. Michael Day, commander of CANSOFCOM, a $100 Million dollar deal for 100 new JTF-2 vehicles was placed in March 2009. According to the MERX Canadian public tenders, CANSOFCOM have selected the Jackal MWMIK to replace the current HMMWV.

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.

JTF2 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 is 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 JTF2) 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).

References in popular culture

JTF2's secrecy has kept the unit out of the Canadian public eye for quite some time, though it did appear in the Tom Clancy Rainbow Six video game series. A character named Roger McAllen, who was part of the former Royal Canadian Mounted Police SERT, ported over to JTF2 when they were handed over responsibility for counter-terrorism duties in 1993.

Also, the Battlefield: Bad Company's Mercenary Spec-ops Team Uses reference to the Quote "Acta, Non Verba" as to JTF2's "Facta, Non Verba"

Recently, JTF2 has entered the public eye in the new Canadian series The Border. In that series one of the main characters is described as being a former special-forces operator from JTF2. During the third episode of The Border, JTF 2 operators assist Immigration and Customs Security agents by securing a crime scene, searching for missing prisoners from the airplane and investigating an abandoned Sûreté du Québec squad car. One operator is killed and two injured when the squad car is detonated.

On July, 2008, a new Canadian TV series Flashpoint (seen on CTV in Canada and CBS in the United States) makes numerous references to JTF2 and one of the show's main characters is a former member of the task force.

See also

• Canadian Security Intelligence Service
• Emergency Response Team, the RCMP branch dedicated to paramilitary operations.
• First Special Service Force
• List of special forces units
• Special Forces
• Special Emergency Response Team

Further reading

• Pugliese, David. (2002). Canada's Secret Commandos: The unauthorized story of Joint Task Force Two. Esprit de Corps Books. ISBN 1895896185
• Denis Morisset. (2008). Nous étions invincibles - Témoignage d'un ex commando. Les éditions JCL. ISBN 9782894313855

External links

• Official Website (English and French)
• CBC Back ground on JTF2
• JTF2 scopes trained on Taliban elite
• Chrétien denies Canadian commandos in Kosovo
• Ambassador Paul Cellucci's speech to the CDAI on March 3, 2005 Cellucci remarked,"Canada's elite, Tier 1 JTF2 is as capable as any Tier 1 Special Forces in the world."
• ShadowSpear Special Operations Community Website – JTF2
• Background information