Joint Task Force-Iraq welcomes new Commander
News Release
June 3, 2016 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Brigadier-General Shane Brennan assumed command of Joint Task Force-Iraq (JTF-I) from Brigadier-General James Irvine in a ceremony today at Camp Canada in Kuwait. Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command, presided over the ceremony.
As Commander of JTF-I, Brigadier-General Brennan will command Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed on Operation IMPACT -- Canada’s military contribution to the Global Coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
CAF members continue to play a significant role alongside Coalition partners by supporting Iraqi security forces, conducting air operations, and providing strategic military support to the Government of Iraq.
Quotes
“As Chief of Staff at Canadian Joint Operations Command, Brigadier-General Brennan has played a critical role in the conduct of Canadian Armed Forces’ operations. He is well prepared to lead the men and women of Joint Task Force-Iraq. I thank Brigadier-General Irvine for his efforts in transitioning the mission and for his dedication to the success of Operation IMPACT.”
Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command
“I am honoured to assume command of Joint Task Force-Iraq. The Task Force, under Brigadier-General Irvine’s leadership, made important contributions to the Coalition while implementing substantial capabilities as part of the enhanced mission. I look forward to continuing the Canadian Armed Forces’ tradition of excellence in operations which Joint Task Force-Iraq has so successfully maintained.”
Brigadier-General Shane Brennan, Incoming Commander, Joint Task Force-Iraq
"I am inspired by the efforts of the men and women of Joint Task Force-Iraq in transitioning our contribution to the Coalition while maintaining focus on operations. I was privileged to lead these dedicated and determined Canadians.”
Brigadier-General James Irvine, Outgoing Commander, Joint Task Force-Iraq
Quick Facts
- Brigadier-General Brennan, an Infantry Officer, served in a variety of command and staff appointments at battalion, regiment, and brigade levels, and at Canadian Army, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and joint staff headquarters. He recently served as Chief of Staff Operations at Canadian Joint Operations Command.
- While deployed as Task Force Commander of Operation LION in Beirut, Lebanon, in 2006, Brigadier-General Brennan managed the evacuation of more than 15,000 Canadians, the largest non-combat evacuation in Canadian history. He also served as Commander of Task Force 3-09, the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team in Afghanistan in 2009.
- As part of the Government of Canada’s expanded contribution to multinational efforts to degrade and defeat ISIL, the CAF recently added three CH-146 Griffon helicopters, an all-source intelligence centre, and additional trainers to Operation IMPACT. These additions are part of the enhanced mission that will eventually see approximately 830 CAF members deployed to complement Canada’s ongoing support to the Coalition, which includes Air Task Force-Iraq and the train, advise, and assist mission with Iraqi security forces.
- Additional CAF personnel are working with the Government of Iraq to further synchronize Coalition efforts to clear ISIL from Iraq. Brigadier-General David Anderson, Director of the Global Coalition’s Ministerial Liaison Team, and other Canadian Armed Forces members who are part of the multinational team recently arrived in Iraq to lay the foundation upon which the team will provide strategic military support to Iraq’s Ministries of Defence and Interior.
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