Joint Task Force (Pacific)

Commander Joint Task Force (Pacific) (JTFP) is responsible to Commander Joint Operations Command for the defence of Canada and for the conduct of all civil support operations within the defined JTFP Area of Responsibility (AOR). When directed, the Commander will intervene for the defence of North America in conjunction with allied forces.

In undertaking these operations, Commander JTFP can command military forces in the AOR as necessary and authorized.

The Joint Operations Command was established on October 5, 2012. It reaffirmed that the security of Canadians is the first priority for the Canadian Forces. This Command provides the means by which commanders at the national and regional levels have the immediate authority to deploy maritime, land, and air forces in support of domestic operations.

Commander JTFP can respond to any crisis, national defence, security, or emergency assistance requirements in the Pacific Ocean approaches to Western Canada or in British Columbia.

The headquarters is responsible to generate a comprehensive awareness of security defence and domestic situations in the Pacific region. This includes developing contingency plans, and being prepared to implement them in conjunction with our partners.

Commander JTFP is also the Commander Maritime Forces Pacific, the Victoria Search and Rescue Region Commander, and the Regional Cadet Commander.

SPLENDOUR SINE OCASU “Splendour without diminishment”

39 Canadian Brigade Group is an Army Reserve Formation of 3^rd Canadian Division. The brigade represents the Army in British Columbia and is headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. 39 CBG was established in March 1997 replacing the previously-titled British Columbia Militia District. Some of the 11 units that belong to 39 Brigade were formed as early as 1883, such as The British Columbia Regiment (Duke of Connaught’s Own).

The Brigade is dedicated to constant readiness for both domestic and international operations. 39 CBG soldiers are trained, tested and re-qualified to prepare for adverse situations including: earthquake response, emergency bridging, fighting floods and fires and modern warfare in Canadian missions. 39 Brigade soldiers are also expected to operate in hostile environments ranging from urban operations to winter, wilderness and mountainous areas.

The Brigade consists of 11 Army Reserve units represented in communities throughout the province. The following reserve units are supported by CFB Esquimalt:

• 5^th (British Columbia) Field Royal Canadian Artillery
• 11 (Victoria) Field Ambulance
• 39 Signal Regiment:
  • 39 Signal Regiment, 3 Squadron
  • 39 Signal Regiment, 2 Squadron
  • 11 (Victoria) Service Battalion
• Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s)

4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) is responsible for Canada’s four western provinces and reports to the 3rd Canadian Division (3 Cdn Div).

It provides patrols for national-security and public-safety missions in sparsely populated, coastal and isolated areas of Western Canada that cannot be conveniently or economically covered by other parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Canadian Rangers of 4 CRPG have been instrumental in the past in helping the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and local enforcement officials by:

• patrolling the West Coast and waters of Canada;
• watching for illegal movements in Canada's waters;
• conducting many search and rescue (SAR) operations; and
• assisting in community evacuations.