Military Training Cooperation Program

History

Canada’s Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP) was established in 1963 under Foreign Affairs management, to provide advice and assistance to the security forces of select, newly-independent Commonwealth countries.

It eventually expanded beyond the Commonwealth and migrated to the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), where it is now managed by the Assistant Deputy Minister (Policy)’s Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation (DMTC).

Mandate

The MTCP leverages contributions funds to provide sponsored training and other support to the Defence departments and military forces of non-NATO member countries around the world.

Its mandate is closely linked to Canada’s Defence Policy Strong, Secure, Engaged (SSE), which directs the CAF to “engage in capacity building to support the security of other nations and their ability to contribute to security abroad” (SSE 82).

Specifically, the MTCP aims to:

• Enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Canada’s partners;
• Expand and reinforce Canada’s bilateral defence relations;
• Promote democratic principles in the international arena, including the rule of law, the protection of human rights, respect for diversity and gender equality, and civilian oversight of defence institutions;
• Achieve influence in areas of strategic interest to Canada;
• Build partner capacity at the defence institution and security force levels; and
• Deliver enhanced military assistance during times of crisis, when directed by Cabinet and/or the Prime Minister.

Activities

The Program’s activities are conducted in Canada and abroad, by DND/CAF or in partnership with industry or international delivery partners. They are organized around 6 pillars, administered under two broad umbrellas: capacity building and relationship building.

Relationship-Building Activities:

• Language Training
• Professional Development
• Multinational Operational Cooperation
• Defence Institution Building

Capacity-Building Activities:

• Defence Institution Building
• Defence Capacity Building
• Enhanced Military Assistance

Governance

DMTC is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the MTCP. At a strategic level, the Program is overseen by two interdepartmental bodies, with representation from various organizations within DND/CAF and Global Affairs Canada:

• A DG-level Military Assistance Steering Committee (MASC); and
• A working-level MTCP Project Assessment Board (MPAB).

Membership

Countries can be added to the MTCP through one of two methods.

If they meet the following membership criteria and are recommended by MASC, the Ministers of National Defence and Foreign Affairs can choose to approve them as beneficiaries of multilateral language, professional development, and operational cooperation coursework:

• Not be North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members;
• Meet Canadian foreign and defence policy strategic interests / demonstrate political and military relevance to Canada;
• Have bilateral defence relations with Canada;
• Be non-oppressive and adhere to human rights standards;
• Not threaten neighbouring nations;
• Not willingly harbour terrorists or terrorist organizations;
• Have a recognized government and armed forces;
• Demonstrate the ability to accept and absorb Canadian assistance;
• Meet CAF operational goals and interests;
• Participate in peace support operations or regional conflict prevention and mediation initiatives; and
• Hold a gross national income per capita of upper-middle income or lower as per the World Bank classification.

Countries can also be named by the Canadian Government as MTCP beneficiaries in Cabinet or Prime Ministerial initiatives that direct the Program to build their capabilities in specific areas, making them temporarily eligible for defence institution building, defence capacity building, and/or enhanced military assistance initiatives.