The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have been active this month, working with our allies to defend North America and our interests at home and abroad. Learn more:
Cyber Security
Did you know that October is Cyber Security Awareness Month? The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is focused this month on sharing information about the simple steps we can take to protect ourselves, our families, our workplaces, and our devices. The Centre leads the government’s response to cyber security events, working to protect and defend the Canada’s valuable cyber assets. Personnel at the Centre work side-by-side with the private and public sectors to solve the most complex cyber issues. For more information on how to stay cyber secure, view the toolkit here.
In addition, Canadians like Chelsey Slack, Deputy Head of Cyber Defence at NATO, are working with our allies to build cyber defence capabilities and protect our citizens from cyber attaches. In the United States too, another Canadian, Brigadier-General Paul Peyton, is part of a Canadian contingent embedded at U.S. Cyber Command. In fact, over the summer, Canadians led a cyber military exercise designed to strengthen partnerships, Cyber Flag, in Suffolk, Virginia.
We Are NATO
For 70 years, Canada has been an active NATO member, contributing to international peace and security. Throughout October, CAF members are participating in a variety of military exercises with their NATO Allies, including Exercise Silver Arrow, Exercise Joint Warrior and Exercise Dynamic Marnier. The exercises aim to improve Allied operations on land, at sea, and in the air.
- In Latvia, over 3,000 troops and 200 vehicles from 12 NATO Allies took part in Exercise Silver Arrow. The exercise provided a unique opportunity to test the battlegroup’s ability to plan and conduct operations with the Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade. Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft supported the exercise, conducting air-to-ground support missions. Canada is leading the NATO battlegroup in Latvia to counter Russian aggression, one of four in the Baltics and Poland.
- In Scotland, nearly 4,000 troops, 58 aircraft, 16 ships, and three submarines from 14 NATO and partner nations, including Canada, will participate in the U.K.-led Exercise Joint Warrior. Joint Warrior is a biannual exercise that allows allies to improve their abilities to respond to a range of current and future threats.
- In Spain, Exercise Dynamic Mariner, led by NATO Maritime Command, brings together 32 surface ships, 18 air assets, including Maritime Patrol Aircraft and helicopters, and two submarines from 18 Allied nations. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, which is led by Royal Canadian Navy Commodore Josée Kurtz, is a key part of the exercise. Additionally, Canadian sailors and aviators aboard HMCS Halifax are participating.
Follow @CAFinUS to learn more about CAF’s work in the U.S. and abroad.