CDS Speech for CJOC Transfer of Command Authority
Speech
Operations, as you know, are our raison d’etre. They’re why we train … plan… write doctrine … recruit … and equip ourselves.
Our operating environment is complex, ever-changing, and increasingly and evermore contested.
It demands a new approach, persistent engagement, and a targeting mindset that is focused on achieving outcomes.
This in turn demands leaders who have a keen understanding of the strategic environment, and a vision for how best to adapt our force employment to meet these challenges.
We find these characteristics in Lieutenant-General Rouleau and Lieutenant-General Coates.
Under LGen Rouleau’s leadership, with his now trademark blue ink pen in hand, CJOC and our deployed personnel have excelled.
Mike strived to push power to the edge and entrusted his people with greater authority and decision-making, and the result was operational excellence.
You’ve made Canada safer, and supported our most vulnerable people in a time of desperate need.
You’ve been staunch Allies and partners and worked shoulder to shoulder with our friends around the world to safeguard security and stability.
You saved lives in Mali, asserted Canadian sovereignty in our North, and fought nature’s deadliest forces.
You did all of that with the stalwart professionalism, integrity, and duty that Canadians expect of us.
The strength of CJOC is not just in the pointy end of the stick.
It’s in the commitment to crucial joint enablers, the exacting precision of staff work, and the ability to plan for the worst and respond to the unpredictable.
CJOC’s strength is in the creativity and critical thinking of its members and its leaders.
CJOC fueled a revolution in the way that we approach operations and think about pan-domain conflict and competition. It challenged long-standing norms about how we fight, and contributed to the long-term success of the CAF.
Every member of the CJOC team has done exceptional work, and I truly commend you for it.
Bill, from COS Ops to Deputy Commander, you’ve lasted longer at CJOC than most other senior officers. I want to thank you for your dedication and perseverance.
Your wealth of experience and institutional knowledge will be essential to the smooth transition to CJOC’s new commander.
Chris, you are also a CJOC veteran, having served as Deputy Commander Continental just a few short years ago.
During your time as Deputy Commander of NORAD, I have counted on your sage counsel and assessments of threats to our continental security.
You have excelled in your leadership of both institutional and operational initiatives, and worked ceaselessly to ensure that our governments understand the value and importance of having a modern, well-equipped, and well-staffed NORAD.
I trust that you will put the same passion, energy, and dedication into your command of CJOC, particularly as we navigate through the challenges of a COVID-19 world, and a world where continental defence will become increasingly important.
A lot of great work has been initiated, and it will be up to you to continue to push forward and inspire innovation among your people.
CJOC’s efforts will be synchronized with strategic initiatives across the CAF and the department.
We must be organized and equipped to meet the concurrency of operations requirements outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, capable of fighting as a joint force, and ready to stand with our allies and partners.
We will defend Canada and North America, deter malign behaviour, and if required, combat and prevail against adversaries throughout and across all domains.
That’s the mission before you.
I know that you are exceptionally well-suited for the task, and I look forward to seeing what you and your team accomplish.
Now, to all family members present and watching online. Military families are a core part of our operational capability. The love and support that you give is important beyond all words. So thank you.
And finally, to all CJOC members and deployed personnel, you have my utmost respect and gratitude.
You are a shining example of what the CAF can do. You’ve made your country incredibly proud.