Supporting the Canadian Forces

A symbol of pride and national identity, the Canadian Forces are strategically positioned in more than 3,000 communities across Canada. They reflect Canada's cultural, linguistic and regional diversity.

The Canadian Forces exemplify many values that unite Canadians: the desire to help people in trouble at home and abroad, the pride we take in peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, and our determination to protect and fight for what we believe in.

The Canadian Forces is made up of three key groups, called environments: Army, Navy and Air Force. Each of the three environments is designed to carry out the mandate of the Canadian Forces in a different way:

• Army: On Land
• Navy: At Sea
• Air Force: In the Sky

Canadian Forces members can either be Regular Force members, meaning they are working for the Forces on a full-time capacity, or Reserve Force members. Reservists are enrolled to serve on a part-time basis but may volunteer for full-time employment in the Canadian Forces. The Reserve Force support Regular Force units in operational commitments. Reservists also provide assistance during national emergencies or disasters such as the 1998 Ice Storm and Swiss Air Flight 111 recovery operations.