Canadian Expeditionary Force Command

Canadian Expeditionary Force Command (CEFCOM, French: ''Commandement de la Force expéditionnaire du Canada'' or ''COMFEC'') was an operational element of the Canadian Forces for operations outside of Canada, created in 2006 and merged into the Canadian Joint Operations Command in 2012.

Under the CF structure, Canadian Expeditionary Forces Command (CEFCOM) was the unified command that was responsible for all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) international operations, with the exception of operations conducted solely by Canadian Special Operations Forces Command elements. CEFCOM missions included combat operations, humanitarian assistance and peacekeeping.

Operations

Similar to the integrated chain of command put in place under Canada Command (Canada COM), the CAF's operational command headquarters responsible for domestic operations, CEFCOM brought together under one operational command the maritime, land and air force assets to conduct humanitarian, peace support or combat operations wherever they were required internationally.

Headquartered in Ottawa, CEFCOM was responsible for setting the standards for integrated training and final certification of assigned forces – ensuring that all units and personnel selected to conduct overseas duties were fully trained and ready to do so.

Afghanistan

In 2011, over 3,900 servicemen were deployed, the majority of which were part of the Joint Task Force - Afghanistan. In July 2011, the authorized strength Afghanistan was of 1,959 servicemen for two operations, that is, Operation Athena, the Canadian contingent of the International Security Assistance Force which ended in December 2011 and Operation Attention, aimed at training Afghan security forces personnel.

Motto and Crest

The CEFCOM motto was ''Unanimi cum Ratione'', Latin for "United in Purpose." This motto represented the civilians and military members from different elements working together, accomplishing the missions and contributing to the security of Canada, and was continued by the Canadian Joint Operations Command following the 2012 merger.

The CEFCOM crest contained a black background, with a falcon holding a globe in its talons. The black background represented military fortitude and the notions of action and combat, the globe symbolized CEFCOM's area of operations, and the falcon represented someone who did not rest until the objective is achieved.

See also

* Military history of Canada
* History of the Canadian Army
* Canadian Armed Forces
* List of armouries in Canada

References

Canadian Forces Operational Commands
Military units and formations established in 2006

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