The roles of the three branches of the Canadian Armed Forces

Each November, individuals across Canada honor and recognize the service and sacrifices of members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Remembrance Day is celebrated in Canada every year on November 11, making the month of November an ideal time to learn about each of the three branches of the country’s armed forces.

The Royal Canadian Navy

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is tasked with protecting Canadian sovereignty at sea, at home and abroad. Sailors in the RCN also provide peacekeeping services and humanitarian aid and prevent illegal activities from happening at sea. According to the Government of Canada, the RCN is made up of approximately 8,400 Regular Force personnel. An additional 4,100 Reservists and 3,800 civilians serve in the RCN.

The Canadian Army

The Canadian Army is the land component of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Army consists of full-time Regular soldiers, part-time Reservists who serve in communities across Canada and Canadian Rangers from remote locations in Canada.

The Government of Canada notes that the Army Reserve is a part-time component of the Canadian Army that deploys members both at home and abroad. With roughly 21,500 members, Reservists make up nearly as large a force as the Regular Force (22,500 members), and an additional 3,500 civilian employees serve in support of the Army.

Royal Canadian Air Force

Working in partnership with the United States, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) defends and protects Canadian and North American airspace. The RCAF flies a large inventory of aircraft, which the Government of Canada notes includes a significant amount of new or completely modernized aircraft. The RCAF serves in both peacetime and during times of conflict.

The Canadian Armed Forces serve a variety of functions, protecting Canadians, Canadian interests and even foreign citizens both at home and abroad. Remembrance Day marks the perfect time to celebrate and honor the Canadian Armed Forces.