Mandate of the Special Operations Forces

Our mission

To provide the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) with agile, high-readiness Special Operations Forces (SOF) capable of conducting special operations across the spectrum of conflict at home and abroad.

Our vision

A trusted, agile and relevant force, optimized to prevail in operations today and tomorrow, built on a foundation of outstanding institutional stewardship.

Who we are

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) is an organization made up of specialized members. We are:

• specifically selected, equipped and trained for unique missions
• used when military risk is high or when extra fidelity is required
• often deployed to achieve strategic effect through tactical actions
• optimized for operating in hostile or politically sensitive areas, in times of peace or war, independently or in coordination with conventional forces

What we do

CANSOFCOM defends Canada with its core strategic capabilities:

1. deliver an effective counter-terrorism response both domestically and abroad
2. access, understand and influence operational environments
3. react rapidly to emerging or immediate threats

CANSOFCOM personnel are trained and equipped to accomplish the following core tasks:

• hostage rescue
• direct action
• chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear crisis response
• sensitive site exploitation
• combating Weapons of Mass Destruction
• maritime special operations
• support to non-combatant evacuation operations
• special protection operations