It is essential that candidates arrive fully fit, carrying no injuries and with a sound grasp of basic navigational techniques. The training requires far greater expenditure of physical energy than is normally required in other peace time training. It must be emphasised that a candidate must be physically fit at the beginning of the JTF 2’s training process if they are to stand any chance of success. JTF 2 has between 300 and 600 personnel, with an average age of 37 (Pugliese, 2014). Typically only two in 10 soldiers who train for the unit succeed in becoming “assaulters,” a position that can pay a premium six-figure salary.” (Freeze, 2010). “Recruits run a gauntlet of scientifically designed physical and psychological tests. Although in the 1990s, the unit had “ventured to Bosnia, Rwanda, Peru on missions to protect Canadian politicians, diplomats and fellow soldiers.” (Freeze, 2010). “Unquestionably, JTF 2’s participation in OEF was a critical turning point in its evolution and CANSOF history.” (Horn, 2012, p.40). It was an important milestone it was the first time the unit had been deployed in a major combat role outside of Canada. In 2001, JTF 2 was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the SOF coalition. JTF 2 is considered Canada’s premier special operations unit and is the country’s main counter-terrorism unit, although it is employed on other high-value tasks.
JTF 2 is a mixture of civilian and military personnel (both Regular and Reserve forces) from across the Army, Navy and Air Force. JTF 2 is headquartered in Dwyer Hill, Ottawa (Ontario), and is commanded by a Brigadier General (OF-6) although the rank of the commander has varied between Lieutenant Colonel (OF-4) and Brigadier General (OF-6). These Commandos form the Special Forces element of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM or CSOFC) Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, a “fourth service” (Horn, 2012, p.48) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This article provides an overview of the recruitment, selection and training process for the Canadian Joint Task Force Two (JTF 2). Canadian Elite & Special Forces Main Page