On the ground, in the air and on the water, the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces stand watch over the country and defend its interests at home and abroad. The Canadian Armed Forces Program aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the issues facing Canadian soldiers across all branches of the military in order to give Canadians varying perspectives on the men and women who defend their country.

Canadian Armed Forces Marko Babic Matthew Sherlock-Hubbard

Threats to Canada’s Security: Assured Access to the Global Commons (Part I/III)

With the Defence Policy Review public consultations recently concluded, Matthew Sherlock-Hubbard and Marko Babic discuss how Department of National Defence (DND) military and civilian planners are now better prepared to inform the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on how to better meet future challenges to Canada’s national security.

Canadian Armed Forces Jayson Derow

Peacekeeping Promises Little Peace: The Realities of 21st Century Conflicts

Canada was once viewed as a leader of UN peacekeeping missions. However, this role has shifted with the changing nature of global conflicts. Jayson Derow discusses why it would be more effective for the Liberal government to devote military resources to the battle in Iraq and Syria, instead of fragmenting the Canadian Armed Forces to various ineffective missions in Africa to fight the same enemy.

Canadian Armed Forces Jayson Derow

Was it Worth it? Canada’s Intervention in Afghanistan and why we Left too Soon

The decision to endure the fight in Afghanistan was difficult for Canada to make, and this country did so at a relatively substantial cost. Jayson Derow discusses the triumphs of the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan and why a sustained commitment of troops is needed in order to ensure the success of Canada’s three signature projects.

Canadian Armed Forces Roderick Ramsden

Unrest in Mali: Canada’s Role in Eradicating Terrorist Forces in West Africa

The security of Mali is of great concern to the international community and in particular to France. Roderick Ramsden examines the situation in Mali and discusses whether Canadian participation would be best suited for the ongoing UN mission or in partnership with France, in their broader operations.

Canadian Armed Forces Matthew Sherlock-Hubbard

After Afghanistan: The Canadian Army Reserve and the Challenges Ahead

The 2016 Auditor General’s Report identifies under-manning and preparedness as alarming obstacles for the Canadian Army Reserves. Matthew Sherlock-Hubbard discusses why it is essential that Reservists, at a minimum, need to be enabled with the capacity and cooperation to fulfill the mandate assigned to them.