MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –
Source: Government of Canada – in French
Press release
September 26, 2024 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Today, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair and Chief of the Defence Staff General Jennie Carignan officially announced the creation of Canadian Armed Forces Command (CAFCYCOM).
The creation of CAFCYCOM represents a significant milestone for the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A dedicated and unified cyber command reflects the critical role of cyber in modern operations and demonstrates Canada’s commitment to operating in the cyber domain.
This new command will be led by Major General Dave Yarker, who will be responsible for cyber operations and sustainment, management and development of the cyber force. Since 2010, Major General Yarker has held key staff and liaison positions with allies and partner agencies, as well as unit and formation level command positions. Major General Yarker was appointed Commander, Joint Force Cyber Component in 2022.
The CAF, through CAF Cyber Command, continues to develop and enhance its capabilities in offensive and defensive cyber operations in close collaboration with the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE). The CAF and CSE have a long-standing partnership in the development of advanced technical and specialized capabilities to provide intelligence in support of military operations. Over the past decade, this partnership has evolved to include collaboration in the areas of cyber security and defensive and offensive cyber operations.
The creation of the CAF Command is also part of similar investments made by Canada’s key partners and allies in NORAD, the GP5 alliance, and NATO. By strengthening its cyber capabilities, Canada is ensuring greater interoperability with its allies, is better equipped to counter the full range of cyber threats, and advances NATO mission goals and objectives.
Quotes
“The new Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command demonstrates to our allies, partners and adversaries Canada’s continued commitment to operating in a challenging cyber domain. By strengthening our resilience, defence and response capabilities in the cyber domain, and working closely with our partners and allies, we can detect, denounce and defend against cyber threats and cyber actors targeting Canada and our interests.”
The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
“Through CAF Command, the Department of Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces will continue to develop and scale offensive and defensive cyber operations capabilities in close collaboration with the Communications Security Establishment. This initiative supports cyber operations at the tactical and strategic levels. The new organization will focus resources to advance existing cyber activities in terms of operations, personnel, policy and capabilities.”
General Jennie Carignan, Chief of the Defence Staff
“I would like to congratulate MGen Yarker on assuming his role as Commander of the newly established Canadian Armed Forces Cyber Command. He brings considerable knowledge, experience and leadership demonstrated throughout his military career to the benefit of CAFCYCOM, the Defence Team and all Canadians.”
Stephanie Beck, Deputy Minister of National Defence.
“Creating a decisive advantage in the cyber domain requires speed, trust, agility and unity of action, and I am proud to have been appointed to lead the organization that will strive to deliver these decisive advantages.”
Major-General Dave Yarker, CAF Cyber Commander
“CSE has been a vital partner of the CAF since its inception. Working together is a natural for us, and it will be no different for CAF Cyber Command. That is why we are combining our already world-class foreign cyber operations capabilities to protect Canada in a complex world. At a time when we face cyber warfare even in peacetime, this partnership will benefit Canadians and Canada’s allies, and give us all greater visibility into the evolving threats we navigate every day.”
Caroline Xavier, Chief of the Communications Security Establishment Canada
Quick Facts
COMCYBERFAC will be the single authority of the DND/CAF for cyber operations, responsible for the maintenance, management and development of the cyber force.
COMCYBERFAC consists of cyber forces, including signals intelligence and joint electronic warfare, and will be capable of conducting and supporting a range of cyber tasks.
In addition to being an integral part of Canada’s defence and serving our interests, the creation of CYBERCOMFAC will help the CAF achieve the previous commitments to NATO and the cyber and defence components of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
CYBERCOMFAC will support the CAF’s transition to a pan-domain battlespace for greater agility and responsiveness to malicious cyber activities.
Since 2010, Major General Yarker has held a variety of key staff and liaison positions with partner and allied agencies, as well as unit and formation level command positions. He was appointed Commander, Joint Force Cyber Component in 2022.
Related links
Contact persons
Simon Lafortune Press Attaché and Communications Advisor Office of the Minister of National Defence Email: Simon.Lafortune2@forces.gc.ca
Media Relations Department of National Defence Telephone: 613-904-3333 Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.