Joint Task Force 2 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Joint Task Force 2 |
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|---|---|
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| Active | 1 April 1993 – present |
| Country | Canada |
| Type | Special operations force |
| Role | Special operations Counter-terrorism |
| Size | Classified |
| Part of | Canadian Special Operations Forces Command |
| Garrison/HQ | Ottawa |
| Motto(s) | Latin: Facta Non Verba, lit. 'Deeds not words' |
| Decorations | United States Presidential Unit Citation |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander |
MGen Peter Dawe OMM, MSM, CD |
| Insignia | |
| Head dress | Tan beret |
Joint Task Force 2 (JTF2) is a highly skilled special operations team in the Canadian Armed Forces. They work with other special forces units like the Canadian Special Operations Regiment. JTF2 is based near Ottawa, Ontario at a place called Dwyer Hill. They plan to move to a new base at CFB Trenton in the future.
JTF2 is a very important part of Canada's special operations. Their main job is to stop terrorism. They also specialize in direct action, rescuing hostages, and helping to recover people. Much of what JTF2 does is kept secret by the Government of Canada. Their motto is Facta Non Verba, which means "Deeds not words".
Contents
The Story of JTF2
How JTF2 Was Created
In 1992, a government official named Robert Fowler suggested a big change. He recommended that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police's special team, called SERT, be replaced. Instead, a new military group focused on stopping terrorism would be formed.
In early 1993, JTF2 officially started. It had just over 100 members. Many of these members came from other Canadian military units. They were given the old SERT base near Ottawa to use for their operations. For training, they even had a real bus and an airplane parked on the grounds.
Growing Bigger and Stronger
After the major events of September 11, 2001, the Canadian government decided to make JTF2 even stronger. In December 2001, they set aside about $120 million. This money was meant to help the unit grow and improve its skills. The goal was to double its size to around 600 members.
By 2014, it was thought that JTF2 members were in Iraq. They were likely there to help train other forces. This was part of a Canadian mission called Operation Impact. The Canadian government has not officially confirmed or denied their involvement.
JTF2's Role in Global Security
Helping in Afghanistan
After the major events of September 11, 2001, about 40 JTF2 soldiers went to southern Afghanistan. This happened in December 2001. The Canadian public was not told about this mission at the time. JTF2 worked closely with other special forces teams there.
In March 2002, JTF2 teams helped with a mission called Operation Anaconda. They also worked with the New Zealand Special Air Service and other groups. In 2004, some JTF2 members received a special award. It was called the Presidential Unit Citation from the U.S. government. This was for their brave service in Afghanistan.
A World-Class Team
Very little information is shared about JTF2's specific missions in Afghanistan. However, a former military leader, General Rick Hillier, once said that JTF2 was "in high demand." He also said they were considered "world class."
General Hillier explained that JTF2 was directly helping the Afghan government. They were working to stop dangerous leaders in southern Afghanistan. He said that helping to stop these leaders was a key part of their job.
Images for kids
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Major-General Nicolas Matern, a former commander of Joint Task Force 2.
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A collection of photos related to the events of September 11, 2001.
