Special Operations Task Force receives Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation

February 13, 2024 - Defence Stories
Author: CANSOFCOM Public Affairs

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The Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation insignia was presented to many members of the task force on February 9, 2024, in Petawawa, Ontario. The insignia is a gold bar with the viceregal lion in full colour. The Special Operations Task Force is the eighth unit to receive this highly prestigious recognition since the commendation’s establishment in 2002, for their actions in war-like conditions while deployed to an active theatre of operations.
Photo credit: CANSOFCOM Imaging

On February 9, 2024, members of a Special Operations Task Force who deployed on a rotation of Operation IMPACT in 2016, received their insignia for their Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation during a parade held in Petawawa, Ontario.

The Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation may be awarded to any unit, sub-unit, composite formation or other military group of the Canadian Forces (CF), or to any similar organization of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the CF, that has performed an extraordinary deed or activity of a rare high standard in extremely hazardous circumstances.

Caption

On February 9, 2024, members of a Special Operations Task Force received their Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation insignia from Brigadier General Steven Hunter during a ceremony held in Petawawa, Ontario.
Photo credit: CANSOFCOM Imaging

The Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) that deployed in 2016 on Operation IMPACT was awarded their Unit Commendation for their direct support to host nation forces. The citation reads, ‘Boldy operating in a chaotic environment, they displayed strong, tactful leadership and unrelenting determination to bolster the host nation forces. The Task Force played a decisive role, during a historic campaign, to liberate thousands of Iraqi civilians. Their actions brought great honour and credit to the Canadian Armed Forces by providing a significant contribution to the region.’

Task Force members were presented with the scroll by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, on October 24, 2022. In a follow-on parade held on February 9, 2024 members of the task force were then presented with their insignia. The insignia, worn on the uniform, is a gold bar with the viceregal lion in full colour and is a permanent representation of their collective efforts.

Caption

On February 9, 2024, members of a Special Operations Task Force received their Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation insignia from Brigadier General Steven Hunter during a ceremony held in Petawawa, Ontario.
Photo credit: CANSOFCOM Imaging

Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer for the ceremony, Brigadier-General Steven Hunter commanded the Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) in Petawawa, Ontario from 2014 to2017. During this period, he had the honour to command the SOTF who received the Unit Commendation. Brigadier-General Hunter commended the members of the Task Force for their dedication and professional execution of the missions that they undertook, saying that he was “honoured to have worked with such an incredible group.”

Caption

On February 9, 2024, members of a Special Operations Task Force received their Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation insignia from Brigadier General Steven Hunter during a ceremony held in Petawawa, Ontario.
Photo credit: CANSOFCOM Imaging

Upon reflection on his time in command of the Task Force, Brigadier-General Hunter said that “the extraordinary contributions of all members of the Task Force were an instrumental part of allied efforts to advise and assist host nation forces through a complex series of operations that resulted in the reclamation of Iraqi territory and the defeat of Daesh. This unique approach at all levels was critical to the eventual success of the campaign. The Commander-in-Chief Unit Commendation clearly recognizes the collective efforts of the Canadian Special Operations Task Force on behalf of Canadians.”

The Canadian Special Operations Forces Command provides the Canadian Armed Forces with agile, high-readiness special operations forces capable of conducting special operations in defence of Canada both at home and abroad. The SOTF that deployed to Operation IMPACT in 2016 is the eighth Canadian Armed Forces unit to receive this highly prestigious recognition since the Commendation’s establishment in 2002.