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.

Military Training Cooperation Program - Activities

 

The following is a sample of courses provided under the Military Training and Cooperation Program.

Language Training

Language Teacher Trainer Course (LTTC)

The LTTC trains prospective language teachers at military institutions in the communicative approach to English language teaching through exercises and role-plays that simulate real-life situations. The Course contributes to the development of an English language teaching capability in the participant’s home nations.

Staff Officer Training

Army Operations Course (AOC)

The AOC prepares junior army officers for staff duties in a tactical headquarters at the unit and formation level within the contemporary operating environment and throughout the full spectrum of operations. It comprises three phases: a pre-AOC; a supervised AOC tutorial via distance; and, AOC residency training.

Canadian Security Studies Program (CSSP)

The CSSP improves candidates’ ability to identify and analyze the national security issues facing Canada, using a four-tiered approach that covers: (1) the concept of national security; (2) the geo-strategic approach to national security; (3) issues related to Canada’s national security; and, (4) Canadian strategic assessment and development of Canadian national security policy.

Professional Development Training

Defence Resource Management Course (DRMC)

The DRMC teaches the core economic and management concepts utilized in Western national defence headquarters. Employing a building block approach, it illustrates the integrated and corporate nature of defence management at the strategic level. The course is organized around four, inter-related themes: (1) managing defence resources; (2) recruiting military forces and force development; (3) preparing and employing military forces; (4) defence procurement.

Ethics in the Military Profession Workshop & Symposium

This workshop and symposium provide the background knowledge required to examine moral philosophy and ethical theories, and to apply it to ethical decision-making. Teleological, deontological, and aretaic approaches to ethics and morality are presented and discussed. Values such as integrity, honesty and courage are emphasized.

Gender, Peace & Security (GPS) Workshop & Symposium

The GPS workshop and symposium provide an overview of the expanding participation of women in military organizations and the imperatives for this shift, including national security and human rights agendas and international commitments to women, peace, and security. It explores the theoretical and conceptual frameworks that contribute to understanding how military organizations have negotiated and implemented this change, the role of today’s military leaders in facilitating an inclusive culture, and the operational effectiveness of mixed gender teams.

Peace Support Operations Training

United Nations Logistics Officer Course (UNLOC)

The UNLOC prepares participants to serve as logistics planning officers in a UN or other contemporary peace operation or in a national planning staff. It is targeted to military and/or police personnel with experience in logistics.

United Nations Staff Officer Course (UNSOC)

The UNSOC prepares participants for deployment as UN military staff officers within an operation or mission area headquarters. It includes all UN pre-requisite training material: Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials (CPTMs); Specialized Training Material for military staff officers of the UN (UNSO STM); and, identified additional material.

United Nations Military Expert on Mission (UNMEM)

The UNMEM is UN Certified and a pre-requisite for deployment for personnel on UN missions around the globe, categorized as UN Military Observers (UNMO), Military Liaison Officers (MLO) or UN Military Advisors (MILAD). It trains participants to perform the duties of a UNMEM within a multi-dimensional peacekeeping force. It includes units on: UNMEM core roles; UNMEM routine operations; the UN environment; and, force protection measures and survival strategies.

Contact Us

Contact Information

Renee Stuart,

Administrative Assistant, Directorate of Military Training and Cooperation

Department of National Defence, Government of Canada

101 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0K2

Tel: (613) 992-3535 / Fax: (613) 992-2458

Email: Renee.Stuart@forces.gc.ca