Canadian Military 101

1. Canadian Military 101 Becoming an Expert in 12 Minutes

2. Introduction • How large is Canada’s military? • What makes up 8 Wing CFB Trenton? • What do all those numbers and colours mean?

3. Canada’s Military • This year Canada’s Military Budget is $19.64 billion. • In terms of expenditure this places Canada 15th in the ranking of countries by military spending.

4. What capability does Canada’s Military have? • 66,949 personnel (ranked 58th) • 33 Warships (Destroyers, Frigates, Submarines, Support Vessels, Coastal) • Main Battle Tanks 114, Infantry Fighting Vehicles 600, Armoured Personnel Carriers 1,000 • Fighters 115, Helicopters 128, Transport 53, Patrol 21, Trainers 64, Drones 6

5. CFB Trenton – 8 Wing • 8 Wing is the heart of Canada's air mobility forces. • Responsible for search and rescue in central Canada and home to the famous Skyhawks and the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Centre. • Daily flights to the four corners of the globe tie this community into the mainstream of international events. • Made up of a group of Squadrons both flying and non-flying

6. CFB Trenton – 8 Wing • The base employs about 3,000 military and 600 civilian personnel • $110 million annual payroll makes it the largest employer in the region • The wing executes 80% of 1st. Canadian Air Division strategic taskings

7. Squadron Number History • Canadian Flying Squadrons 400 - 450 • To avoid confusion with low-numbered RAF squadrons, the British Air Ministry assigned the numbers 400-445 to Canadian squadrons in the UK. • After the war the RCAF continued to use the wartime squadron codes in the 400 series. • In the early sixties Australia which had been given the codes 446 - 467 released squadrons 446 - 450 to the RCAF.

8. 412 Squadron • Originated as a fighter squadron in England in 1941 • Now a transport squadron based in Ottawa • 6 Bombardier Challengers • VIP Air Transport worldwide • Motto – Swift to Avenge

9. 424 (Tiger) Transport and Rescue Squadron • Formed in 1942 in England as a bomber squadron • Search and Rescue responsibility for over 10 million sq. kilometers • Fly CH 149Cormorant Helicopters and C130 Hercules. • Always have 1 aircraft on 30 minute standby • Motto - We chastise those who deserve to be chastised

10. 426 Transport Training Squadron • Created as a bomber squadron in 1942 • Now train aircrew and support personnel for the Hercules and Polaris (Airbus) aircraft • Utilize a flight simulator • Graduate about 900 personnel a year • Motto – On wings of fire

11. 429 (Bison) Transport Squadron • Formed as a bomber squadron in 1942 • Fly the four CC117 transport aircraft • Transport people and supplies anywhere needed • Twice as fast as previously used aircraft • Motto - Nothing to chance

12. 436 Transport Squadron • Formed in India in 1944 • Fly the CC130 Hercules in a transport or tactical mode • Carry material and personnel globally • Tactical flying involves delivering troops or material by parachute or humanitarian aid to remote areas • 5,000 hours flown last year • Motto - We carry the load

13. 437 (Husky) Transport Squadron • Formed as a transport squadron in 1944 that towed gliders (thus the Husky squadron) • Fly 5 Polaris aircraft (Airbus) • Two are dedicated to in-air refueling • Transport personnel and material globally as well as VIP airlift. • Motto – Anything – Anywhere

14. 2 Air Movement Squadron • Provides trained personnel to support Wing flying operations and airlift activity • Move 23 million pounds of freight and 43,000 passengers a year • Operate the passenger terminal at CFB Trenton • Motto – Never Unprepared

15. 8 Air Communication and Control Squadron (ACCS) • Self contained, high readiness team that can be deployed anywhere by land or sea • Support Canadian air operations through the provision of a network enabled, controlled airfield, anywhere. • Provide radars, radios, navigation aids, control towers, airfield lighting, phones, computer networks, satellite ground terminals, mobile and transportable operation shelters, and tenting. • Motto – Showing the way

16. 8 Air Maintenance Squadron (AMS) • Provide mission capable Aircraft through safe, efficient maintenance and support to Canadian Forces operations worldwide. • Responsible for the maintenance of the unit's fleet of airlift and search and rescue assets. • Supports world-wide flying operations with mobile repair parties and deployed maintenance teams. • Motto – With combined powers

17. Joint Rescue and Coordination Centre

18. Other Lodger Units

19. But what about all those coloured hats? Beret Colour Wearer • Blue - Air Force • Black – Armoured and navy • CF Green - all other army units • UN Blue - personnel serving with the United Nations on peacekeeping missions • Scarlet – Military Police • Maroon -Airborne paratroopers • Blaze Orange - Search-and-rescue technicians • Terracotta - personnel serving with the Multinational force and Observers • Tan – Special Force

20. And Finally – Any Questions? • This presentation is available as a Download Document on our club website • At a future meeting we will cover ranks and insignia as well as uniforms • Study hard so you will be able to have a knowledgeable conversation with our guests at Military Appreciation Night next week.