View source for Canadian Army

{{Short description|Land component of the Canadian Armed Forces}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Canadian Army
| native_name                   = {{lang|fr|Armée canadienne}}
| image                         = Lesser badge of the Canadian Army.svg
| image_size                    = 125px
| caption                       = [[#Canadian Army badge|Badge of the Canadian Army]]
| start_date                    = {{nowrap|{{Start date and age|1855|05|19|df=yes}}<ref>{{cite book |title=An Act to regulate the militia of this province and to repeal the acts now in force for that purpose [microform]: assented to 19th of May, 1855. |url=https://archive.org/details/cihm_50413/mode/2up |via=Archive.org |publisher=S. Derbyshire and G. Desbarats |isbn=9780665504136 |access-date=26 March 2020}}</ref><br />{{notetag|The Canadian Army originates from the [[Province of Canada]]'s "[[Canadian militia#Active militias|Active Militia]]", created through the ''[[Militia Act of 1855]]''. However, several Canadian Army units perpetuate the battle honours of [[Canadian units of the War of 1812|Canadian units from the War of 1812]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=war-of-1812-battle-honours/hgq87xkx|title=War Of 1812 Battle Honours|date=14 September 2012|website=www.forces.gc.ca|publisher=Ministry of National Defence|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920111319/http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/news/article.page?doc=war-of-1812-battle-honours%2Fhgq87xkx}}</ref> The Active Militia was later adopted by the Canadian confederation through the ''Militia Act of 1868''.<ref>{{cite book|title=A Military History of Canada|publisher=McClelland & Stewart|year=2009|first=Desmond|last=Morton|isbn=978-1-5519-9140-5|page=91}}</ref> In 1940, an [[order in council]] retitled the Active Militia to the Canadian Army.<ref name=rename>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/themes/defence/caf/militaryhistory/dhh/official/book-1955-army-ww2-1-en.pdf|page=89|work=Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War Volume I: The Army in Canada, Britain and the Pacific|publisher=Ministry of National Defence (Canada)|last=Stacey|first=Charles Perry|year=1955|title=The Army Programme for 1941}}</ref> In 1968, the Canadian Army was formally amalgamated into the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as the forces' land component.}}<ref>{{cite journal |title=Canadian Army collection |journal=University of Victoria Special Collections |date=1899–1984 |page=Introduction |url=https://www.uvic.ca/library/locations/home/spcoll/findaids/canada_army_inventory.pdf |access-date=24 March 2020|quote=The Canadian Army was established in 1855 when the government passed the Militia Act, which provided for a paid, regular army consisting of active volunteer militia. Its forerunner was the militia dating back to 1651.}}</ref>}}
| dates                         = 
| country                       = Canada{{notetag|[[Province of Canada]] (1855–1867)
}}
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Army]]
| size                          = {{plainlist|
* 22,500 active personnel
* 21,500 reserve personnel
* 5,300 [[Canadian Rangers]]<ref name=personnelcount>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/the-canadian-army-of-today.html|title=About the Canadian Armed Forces|publisher=Government of Canada|website=www.forces.gc.ca|date=25 February 2013 |access-date=20 September 2023}}</ref>
}}
| command_structure             = [[Canadian Armed Forces]]
| garrison                      = [[NDHQ Carling]], [[Ottawa]], Ontario
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| role                          = [[Land warfare]]
| motto                         = {{langnf|la|Vigilamus pro te|[[O Canada|We stand on guard for thee]]}}<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://reg.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=2391&ShowAll=1 |title=Canadian Army |publisher=Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada |location=Ottawa |date=2013 |access-date=2017-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502031406/http://reg.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=2391&ShowAll=1 |archive-date=2017-05-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| colors                        = Red<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/3034|title=Canadian Army|publisher=Governor General of Canada|website=www.gg.ca|date=15 March 2018|access-date=18 August 2025}}</ref>
| colors_label                  = Colour
| march                         = "[[The Great Little Army]]"
| mascot                        = Juno the Bear<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/juno.html|title=Juno the Canadian Army Mascot|publisher=Government of Canada|access-date=9 December 2022|date=4 June 2021|website=www.canada.ca}}</ref>
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = {{plainlist|
* [[Fenian raids]] (1866–1870)
* [[Red River Rebellion]] (1870)
* [[North-West Rebellion]] (1885)
* [[Second Boer War]] (1899–1902)
* [[First World War]] (1914–1918)
* [[Russian Civil War]] (1918–1919)
* [[Second World War]] (1939–1945)
* [[Korean War]] (1950–1953)
* [[Medak Pocket]] (1993)
* [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]] (2001–2014)
}}
| anniversaries                 = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = <!-- Commanders -->
| website                       = {{official URL}}
| commander1                    = [[Charles III]], [[King of Canada]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = Lieutenant-General [[Michael Wright (Canadian Army officer)|Michael Wright]]
| commander2_label              = [[Commander of the Canadian Army]]
| commander3                    = [[Major-General]] Peter Scott
| commander3_label              = Deputy Commander of the Canadian Army
| commander4                    = [[Chief Warrant Officer]] Christopher Robin
| commander4_label              = [[Sergeant major#Canada|Canadian Army Sergeant Major]]
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Equipment -->
<!-- Insignia -->| identification_symbol         = [[File:Flag of the Canadian Army (2016).svg|125px|border|alt=Flag of the Canadian Army since July 2016.]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[History of the Canadian Army#Canadian Army flags|Flag]]
| identification_symbol_2       = 
| identification_symbol_3       = 
| identification_symbol_4       = 
| identification_symbol_2_label = Lesser badge
| identification_symbol_3_label = 
| identification_symbol_4_label = <!-- Aircraft -->
}}
The '''Canadian Army''' ({{langx|fr|Armée canadienne}}) is the branch of the [[Canadian Armed Forces]] (CAF) responsible for conventional land operations. As of 2024, it includes about 22,500 [[Regular Force]] personnel, 21,500 [[Canadian Army Reserve|reservists]], and 5,300 [[Canadian Rangers]]. Headquartered at [[NDHQ Carling]] in [[Ottawa]], it maintains bases and facilities across Canada. The Army is led by the [[Commander of the Canadian Army]], under the authority of the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|Chief of the Defence Staff]].

The Army traces its roots to the colonial-era [[Canadian militia]], though nearly all of its existing units were established after the [[Militia Act of 1855]], which created the '''Active Militia''' in the [[Province of Canada]]. Shortly after [[Canadian Confederation|Confederation]], the Active Militia became Canada's sole functional military force, participating in several conflicts before being renamed the Canadian Army during the [[Second World War]]. It was reorganized as '''Force Mobile Command''' in 1965, ahead of the 1968 [[unification of the Canadian Armed Forces|unification]] of Canada's military. Renamed '''Land Force Command''' in 1992, it reverted to the Canadian Army name in 2011.

The Army is organized into five formations, which includes four geographically based divisions comprising Regular and Reserve Force elements, and the [[Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre]] for training and doctrine development. The four divisions includes several [[brigade group]]s made up of units from the [[Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery]], [[Royal Canadian Armoured Corps]], and [[Royal Canadian Infantry Corps]]. The Army operates a variety of equipment sourced domestically and from other countries.

==History==
{{Main|History of the Canadian Army}}
{{further|Canadian Militia}}
===Origins and the Sedentary Militia===
The Canadian Army traces its origins to colonial militias established in [[New France]] and [[British North America]]. These community-based militias supported French and British military actions on the continent.<ref name=historheritage>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/history/history.html|title=History and Heritage|date=7 February 2024|access-date=22 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> Prior to [[Canadian Confederation]] in 1867, the Militia Acts of the [[Province of Canada]], [[Nova Scotia]], and [[New Brunswick]] required males aged 16 to between 50 and 60 to serve in local Sedentary Militias, unorganized, mostly untrained forces mustered only infrequently each year.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=11}}

Some of the Canadian Army's oldest units trace their lineage to these sedentary militia units, like the predecessor of the [[Governor General's Horse Guards]], the [[Governor General's Body Guard]].<ref name=regiment>{{cite web|url=https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/regiment|title=Regiment|date=9 June 2021|access-date=23 August 2025|last1=Ridler|first1=Jason|first2=M. V.|last2=Bezeau|first3=O. A.|last3=Cooke|first4=John|last4=Boileau|publisher=Historica Canada|website=thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}</ref> Several modern Army units also perpetuate the lineage of [[Canadian units of the War of 1812|Canadian units raised]] during the [[War of 1812]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/military-history/history-heritage/battle-honours-honorary-distinctions/defence-canada.html|title=Defence of Canada - 1812-1815|date=22 July 2019|access-date=22 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> However, the nearly all modern Army units were formed after the transformation of Canada's military system through the Militia Acts of 1846 and 1855.<ref name=regiment/>

===Development of the Active Militia===
Plans for a trained volunteer "active militia" in the [[Province of Canada]] began with the Militia Act of 1846, although actual active militia units were not formed until after a more practical framework was established through the [[Militia Act of 1855]].{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=13}} The Militia Act of 1868 formally integrated the colonial [[Canadian Militia]], both the Sedentary and Active components, into the new federal framework. However, the Sedentary Militia fell into disuse by 1873, leaving the Active Militia as Canada's only functional military force.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=16}}
[[File:The Canadian Militia, 1898.jpg|thumb|Uniforms of [[Canadian Militia]] units, {{circa|1898}}]]
In 1871, the Active Militia formed its first full-time volunteer units, which later became the nucleus of [[Permanent Active Militia|Permanent Force]]. By the 1880s, Permanent Force had expanded beyond artillery to include infantry and cavalry corps.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=17–18}} During the late 19th century, the Active Militia repelled the [[Fenian raids]] from 1866 to 1871 and defeated the [[North-West Resistance]] in 1885.<ref name=canenhist>{{cite web|url=https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-army|title=Canadian Army|date=12 July 2023|last=Boyko|first=John|access-date=23 August 2025|publisher=Historica Canada|website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}</ref> Active Militia officers first participated in overseas service during the [[Nile Expedition]] of 1884 to 1885, while Active Militia units undertook their first official overseas deployment during the [[Second Boer War]] from 1900 to 1902.<ref name=canenhist/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/nile-expedition|title=Nile Expedition|date=12 September 2024|last1=Wood|first1=James|first2=John|last2=Boileau|access-date=23 August 2025|publisher=Historica Canada|website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca}}</ref>
[[File:Royal Canadian Troops at the Battle of Paardeberg.jpg|thumb|Canadian soldiers at the [[Battle of Paardeberg]] during the [[Second Boer War]], 1900]]
However, by the end of the 19th century, the militia remained limited in capability. Major-General [[Edward Hutton (British Army officer)|Edward Hutton]], former General Officer Commanding the Militia of Canada, described the Militia as "a collection of military units without cohesion, without staff, and without those military departments by which an army is moved, fed, or ministered to in sickness."{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=19}}
 
Reforms under [[Frederick Borden]], [[minister of militia and defence]] from 1896 to 1911, revitalized the force through the creation of engineering, medical, signalling, and support corps in the early 1900s.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=19}} In 1904, the position of General Officer Commanding, traditionally held by a British Army officer, was replaced by the Canadian-appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Militia.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=23}} Policies adopted by Canada at the [[1907 Imperial Conference]] and the 1909 Defence Conference led the Canadian Militia to maintain broad uniformity with the British Army in organization, equipment, and training doctrine.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=24}}

===World War I and Interwar Period===
{{further|Canada in World War I}}
[[File:48th Highlanders, 12th Infantry, & 10th Royal leave Toronto for camp (LOC ggbain.16977).jpg|thumb|Members of the [[48th Highlanders of Canada]], [[12th York Rangers]], and the [[10th Royal Grenadiers]] leave for training camp, 1914]]
The Canadian Militia provided only a small number of trained soldiers at the outbreak of the [[First World War]], but it offered the foundation on which a national army could be built.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=24}} Although there were existing plans to mobilize the militia, they were considered too slow to meet the urgent demands of the war, and were set aside in favour of creating a new force, the [[Canadian Expeditionary Force]] (CEF).<ref name=canenhist/> Most CEF units were created specifically for the war and only later recognized as part of the militia, though some pre-war regiments, such as the [[Royal Canadian Regiment]], were part of CEF.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=26}} 
[[File:Canadian tank and soldiers Vimy 1917.jpg|thumb|Canadian soldiers advance during the [[Battle of Vimy Ridge]], 1917]]
The militia's pre-war limited development was evident in the appointment of a British lieutenant-general to command the 1st Canadian Division until 1917, when command of the [[Canadian Corps]] passed to Lieutenant-General [[Arthur Currie]], a former officer of Canada's [[Non-Permanent Active Militia]] (NPAM).{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=26}} Canadian units first entered the front lines in February 1915,{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=29}} and by 1918, the Canadian Corps was regarded as "the most powerful self-contained striking force on any battlefront," in part because it retained four-battalion infantry brigades while British Army brigades were reduced to three battalions.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=27}} More than 620,000 people served in the CEF, with 60,000 Canadians died during the war.<ref name=historheritage/>

Following the war, steps were taken within the Canadian Militia to preserve the legacy and battle honours of Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) units. Two CEF units were incorporated into the Permanent Force, while others had their honours perpetuated through NPAM regiments.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=31–32}} In 1923, the civilian portfolio responsible for militia affairs was consolidated with the other service portfolios under a single Minister of National Defence.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=32}} During the 1930s, the militia began a program of rearmament and reorganization, although its budget reflected its position as the lowest priority compared with the navy and the air force.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=33}}

===World War II and post-war period===
{{further|Canada in World War II}}
[[File:Dominion and Empire Forces in the United Kingdom 1939-45 H589.jpg|thumb|left|[[Toronto Scottish Regiment]] soldiers deployed to the UK months after the outbreak of [[World War II]], 1939]]
The Government of Canada ordered a partial mobilization of the militia on 25 August, followed by full mobilization after the [[Canadian declaration of war on Germany]] on 10 September. Unlike the First World War, the mobilized units were drawn largely from existing militia battalions rather than newly created formations.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=35}} In November 1940, the Canadian Militia was formally retitled as the Canadian Army, with the Permanent Active Militia becoming Canadian Army (Active) and NPAM becoming Canadian Army (Reserve).<ref name=rename/> 

Canadian Army units saw little action in the early stages of the war. One brigade briefly took the field during the [[fall of France]] in 1940, after which Canadian Army units were largely occupied with the defence of the UK against a [[Operation Sea Lion|possible German invasion]].{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=36}} The Canadian Army later played major roles in the [[Allied invasion of Sicily]] and [[Allied invasion of Italy|Italy]], the [[Battle of Normandy]], and the [[North West Europe campaign]], remaining in combat until 5 May 1945 with the [[German surrender at Lüneburg Heath]].{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=38}} During the conflict, the Canadian Army established the [[First Canadian Army]], which grew to become the largest Canadian [[field army]] ever assembled, comprising more than 450,000 personnel under the command of General [[Henry Crerar]].<ref name=canenhist/> Like in the First World War, the Canadian Army served under British higher command in operations.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=39}} During the war, 730,000 people served in the Canadian Army,<ref name=canenhist/> 24,500 of whom died.<ref name=historheritage/> 
[[File:Canadese landtroepen van de 27e Infanterie-brigade voor het Atlantische leger va, Bestanddeelnr 904-8323.jpg|thumb|The [[27th Canadian Infantry Brigade]], created for service in [[West Germany]] disembarks in [[Rotterdam]], 1951]]
Although the Canadian Army demobilized after the Second World War, it did not reduce its numbers to pre-war levels like it did following the First World War. Its participation in [[NATO]] in 1949 also led the Canadian Army to its largest peacetime size.{{sfn|Stacey|1964|p=41–42}} As part of its commitments to NATO, the Canadian Army had [[Canadian Forces Europe|detachments in Europe]].<ref name=historheritage/> 

During this period, Canada also contributed to early [[UN]] [[peacekeeping]] operations, like the [[United Nations Truce Supervision Organization]] in 1948, the [[United Nations Emergency Force]] during the 1956 [[Suez Crisis]] and the [[United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus]] in 1964.<ref name=historheritage/><ref name=canenhist/> The Canadian Army also provided several units, later consolidated into the [[25th Canadian Infantry Brigade]], to serve under the [[1st Commonwealth Division]] of the [[United Nations Command]] during the [[Korean War]].<ref name=canenhist/>

===Post-unification===
The Canadian Army was reduced in size the 1960s due to budgetary and manpower constraints.<ref name=regiment/> By the mid-1960s, the Canadian government began a process of unifying the country's separate armed service branches into a single force. As a part of the anticipated unification, the Army was reorganized into Force Mobile Command in 1965, before it was [[unification of the Canadian Armed Forces|unified with the other two service branches]], the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] and the [[Royal Canadian Air Force]], to form the single-service [[Canadian Armed Forces]].<ref name=canenhist/><ref name=regiment/> This resulted in some units being reduced to nil strength and transferred to the [[Supplementary Order of Battle]]. However, other new units were also created to increase French Canadian representation.<ref name=regiment/>
[[File:UN-Marty.jpg|thumb|A Canadian soldier on a [[United Nations peacekeeping]] mission, 1976]]
The rationale for unification was to improve efficiency and reduce cost. However, unification efforts faced resistance from army regiments, who viewed them as an attempt to erase their history, traditions, and identities. Regimental identities and ethos were gradually restored within Mobile Command during the 1970s and 1980s.<ref name=regiment/> During the later Cold War years, the CAF was reduced in size and scaled back troop deployments in Europe, although it continued to uphold peacekeeping commitments, participating in every UN peacekeeping mission until 1989.<ref name=canenhist/>

The end of the Cold War prompted the CAF to end its European military deployments, although it did play a limited role in the 1991 [[Gulf War]] and took part in several peacekeeping missions.<ref name=canenhist/> In 1992, Force Mobile Command was redesignated as Land Force Command as part of broader post-Cold War restructuring.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=24}} Many of the army's post-Cold War peacekeeping missions, particularly in Yugoslavia and Rwanda, became volatile, with peacekeepers facing aggression and lacking adequate support. The misconduct of the [[Canadian Airborne Regiment]] during operations in Somalia also led to [[Somalia affair|intense public scrutiny]] and the regiment’s eventual disbandment.<ref name=canenhist/>
[[File:Operation Torri command post.JPEG|thumb|Members of the [[Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry]] in Afghanistan, 2002]]
The army hit its lowest enlistment numbers in decades in 2001, before it rebounded as a result of the [[War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)|War in Afghanistan]].<ref name=canenhist/> The 12-year Afghan mission was the longest military campaign undertaken by the CAF.<ref name=canencawaaf>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/international-campaign-against-terrorism-in-afghanistan|title=Canada and the War in Afghanistan|date=5 February 2021|access-date=23 August 2025|last1=Azzi|first1=Stephen|last2=Foot|first2=Richard|website=www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca|publisher=Historica Canada}}</ref> In 2011, Land Forces Command was renamed to the Canadian Army, restoring the pre-unification name for Canada's military land forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/peter-mackay-hails-royal-renaming-of-military-1.1059811|title=Peter MacKay hails 'royal' renaming of military|date=16 August 2011|access-date=23 August 2025|last=Fitzpatrick|first=Meagan|website=www.cbc.ca|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation}}</ref>

==Structure==
{{Main|Structure of the Canadian Army}}
{{see also|List of units of the Canadian Army}}
The Canadian Army is the land component of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the CAF's largest element. Command is held by the [[commander of the Canadian Army]], a [[Lieutenant-general (Canada)|lieutenant-general]], with a major-general serving as their deputy.<ref name=commandcontrol>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure.html|title=Organizational structure of the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces|access-date=10 August 2025|date=8 August 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref name=canencorg>{{cite web|url=https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadian-army-organization|website=thecanadianencyclopedia.ca|publisher=Historica Canada|title=Canadian Army Organization|last=Boileau|first=John|date=10 September 2024|access-date=13 August 2025}}</ref> The commander of the Canadian Army reports to the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (Canada)|chief of the Defence Staff]], who, in turn, reports to the [[Minister of National Defence (Canada)|minister of National Defence]], the head of the [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Department of National Defence]].<ref name=commandcontrol/>

The Army is made up of four geographically based divisions and a training formation, the [[Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre]] (CADTC). These four divisions and CADTC report to Canadian Army Headquarters, which is organized into three main sections: Operations, Strategy, and Reserve, each led by a brigadier-general. CADTC is responsible for the development of doctrine, manages the Army's intellectual growth, and oversees all individual and collective training across its establishments and divisions.<ref name=canencorg/> Advanced and future war doctrine is also developed at the Canadian Army Land Warfare Centre (CALWC), which also publishes the [[peer-reviewed]] ''[[Canadian Army Journal]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Project Convergence Effect|url=https://canadianarmytoday.com/the-project-convergence-effect/|last=Thatcher|first=Chris|website=canadianarmytoday.com|publisher=Canadian Army Today|date=21 April 2024|access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/canadian-army-journal/about-caj.html|title=About the Canadian Army Journal (CAJ)|website=www.canada.ca|date=19 June 2025|access-date=24 August 2025|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

===Regular Force and Army Reserve===
{{further|Regular Force|Canadian Army Reserve}}
Army personnel and units are organized into Regular Force and the Canadian Army Reserve.<ref name=divisions>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/the-canadian-army-of-today.html|title=The Canadian Army of Today|access-date=10 August 2025|date=6 February 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The Regular Force is made up of officers and non-commissioned members enrolled for continuing, full-time military service.<ref name=ndaregres>{{cite web|url=https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/N-5/section-15.html|title=National Defence Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. N-5)|date=31 July 2025|access-date=17 August 2025|publisher=laws-lois.justice.gc.ca}}</ref>
[[File:Flood2013 139 Calgary Highlanders Calgary flood 2013.jpg|thumb|Reservists of the [[Calgary Highlanders]] assist with flood mitigation work during the [[2013 Alberta floods]]]]
The Army Reserve, also known as the militia, is made up of officers and non-commissioned members enrolled for service other than continuing, full-time military service,<ref name=ndaregres/> including subcomponents like the [[Canadian Rangers]],<ref name=divisions/> and provides a basis for national mobilization.<ref name=32cbg>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/32-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=32 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=28 January 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> Army Reserve personnel are spread throughout ten Canadian Brigade Groups that are primarily made up of reservists, although each unit includes small cadre of Regular Force personnel for administrative and training support.<ref name=canencorg/>

Reservists usually serve part-time but may volunteer for full-time duty, helping augment Regular Forces' domestic and overseas deployments.<ref name=32cbg/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/#wj|title=Ways to Join|access-date=17 August 2025|publisher=forces.ca}}</ref> In addition to supporting the Regular Force, Reserve Force brigade groups maintain readiness to respond to natural disasters and other domestic emergencies within their regions.<ref name=32cbg/>

===Divisions===
[[File:Canadian Leopard 2A4 in 2017 - 170514-A-KY778-004.jpg|thumb|Soldiers from [[2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]] sit atop a [[Leopard 2A4]] tank during a military exercise at [[CFB Wainwright]], 2017]]
The Army's four divisions are the [[2nd Canadian Division]], the [[3rd Canadian Division]], the [[4th Canadian Division]], and the [[5th Canadian Division]]. The [[1st Canadian Division]] was formerly a joint operations command within the Army, although it was transferred to the [[Canadian Joint Operations Command]] in 2015.<ref name=canencorg/><ref name=divisions/> 

Three of the four divisions have a combat mechanized brigade group, which is commanded by a colonel and manned by Regular Force personnel. Each mechanized brigade group includes two mechanized and one light infantry battalion, a support battalion, and regiments and units from the [[Royal Canadian Armoured Corps]], [[Canadian Military Engineers]], [[Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery]], [[Communications and Electronics Branch]]. Most divisions also have a company from [[Intelligence Branch]] and Canadian Ranger patrols.<ref name=canencorg/>
[[File:M777 Howitzer Helmand April2007.JPEG|thumb|left|[[Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery]] gunners in Afghanistan, 2007]]
In addition to combat mechanized brigade groups, each division includes a combat service support brigade, companies from the [[Canadian Intelligence Corps]], Canadian Ranger patrol groups, and several Reserve Force brigade groups, known as Canadian Army Reserve brigade groups. The composition of Army Reserve brigade groups is not standardized due to the reserve's historical roots in locally raised militia, although they typically field regiments of the [[Royal Canadian Infantry Corps]], as well as armoured reconnaissance and artillery regiments. Collectively, these brigade groups include 17 armoured regiments and one independent armoured squadron, 16 artillery regiments and three independent artillery batteries, and 51 infantry battalions.<ref name=canencorg/>

[[Canadian Forces Military Police]] regiments are generally situated with a division and placed under its operational control, although they are not an formally a component of the division.<ref name=canencorg/>

====2nd Canadian Division====
{{main|2nd Canadian Division}}
[[File:2nd Canadian Division Structure.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Organizational chart for the [[2nd Canadian Division]]]]
The 2nd Canadian Division is a formation that includes all Regular and Reserve units within Quebec. There are four main formations that make up the division:<ref name=5cmbg>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/2-canadian-division.html|title=2nd Canadian Division - Quebec|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 April 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

* [[5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]] (5 CMBG)
* [[34 Canadian Brigade Group]] (34 CBG)
* [[35 Canadian Brigade Group]] (35 CBG)
* 2nd Canadian Division Support Group

5 CMBG has close to 4,800 Regular and Reserve forces and is equipped with approximately 1,200 vehicles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/2-canadian-division/5-canadian-mechanized-brigade-group.html|title=5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group|access-date=10 August 2025|date=8 July 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>  The two other brigade groups are Army Reserve formations. [[34 Canadian Brigade Group]] comprises 2,500 reservists across 15 regiments, nine of which are based on the [[island of Montreal]]. [[35 Canadian Brigade Group]] includes 2,200 reservists distributed among 12 units throughout eastern Quebec.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/2-canadian-division/34-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=34 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=10 August 2025|date=1 October 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/2-canadian-division/35-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=35 Canadian Brigade Group
|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 July 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

Additionally, the following units report directly to the division's headquarters at [[CFB Montreal|2nd Canadian Division Support Base Valcartier, Detachment Montreal]]:

* 2nd Canadian Division Training Center
* [[4 Intelligence Company]]
* 5 Military Police Regiment
* 2 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

Training for the division takes place at [[Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School]] and the 2nd Canadian Division Training Centre.<ref name=5cmbg/>

====3rd Canadian Division====
{{main|3rd Canadian Division}}
[[File:3rd Canadian Division Structure.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Organizational chart for the [[3rd Canadian Division]]]]
The 3rd Canadian Division is a formation that includes all Regular and Reserve units within [[western Canada]] and [[northwestern Ontario]], except for [[CFB Wainwright]], which is administered by the Canadian Army Training and Doctrine Centre. As of 2025, there are approximately 5,800 Regular Force soldiers and 5,300 Reserve Force soldiers, and 3,000 Canadian Rangers under the division. Additionally, the division employs approximately 1,000 civilians. The five major formations that make up the division are:<ref name=3cd>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/3-canadian-division.html|title=3rd Canadian Division - Western Canada|access-date=10 August 2025|date=28 July 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

* [[1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]]
* [[38 Canadian Brigade Group]] (38 CBG)
* [[39 Canadian Brigade Group]] (39 CBG)
* [[41 Canadian Brigade Group]] (41 CBG)
* 3rd Canadian Division Support Group

38 CBG is made up of units based throughout [[Saskatchewan]], [[Manitoba]], and northwestern Ontario, 39 CBG is made up of units based in [[British Columbia]], and 41 CBG is made up of units based in [[Alberta]] and the [[Northwest Territories]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/3-canadian-division/38-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=38 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=9 May 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/3-canadian-division/39-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=39 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=27 November 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/3-canadian-division/41-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=41 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=21 June 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

Additionally, the following units reports directly to the division's headquarters at [[CFB Edmonton]]:<ref name=3cd/>

* [[6 Intelligence Company]]
* 1 Military Police Regiment
* 3rd Canadian Division Training Centre
* [[1 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group]]
* 4 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

====4th Canadian Division====
{{main|4th Canadian Division}}
[[File:4th Canadian Division Structure.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Organizational chart for the [[4th Canadian Division]]]]
The 4th Canadian Division is a formation that includes all Regular and Reserve units within [[Ontario]], excluding parts of northwestern Ontario, whose units form a part of 3rd Canadian Division. The division's units are spread across 46 Ontario communities, and comprises 5,880 Regular Force members, 5,980 Reserve Force members, and 620 Canadian Rangers as of 2025. Additionally the division employs 1,140 civilians. The largest concentrations of the division includes [[Garrison Petawawa]] and [[CFB Kingston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division.html|title=4th Canadian Division - Ontario|access-date=17 August 2025|date=16 July 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The division has five major formations:<ref name=4cdndivunits>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/units-formations.html|title=Units and Formations - 4th Canadian Division|access-date=15 February 2023|date=16 July 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

* [[2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group]]
* [[31 Canadian Brigade Group]] (31 CBG)
* [[32 Canadian Brigade Group]] (32 CBG)
* [[33 Canadian Brigade Group]] (33 CBG)
* [[4th Canadian Division Support Group]]

31 CBG Army Reserve Formation is headquartered in London and includes nearly 2,500 members across 12 units spread throughout [[southwestern Ontario]] and parts of [[central Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/31-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=31 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=20 March 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> 32 CBG is made up of 3,000 soldiers in 14 units based in the [[Greater Golden Horseshoe]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/32-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=32 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=28 January 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> 33 CBG is a military formation that includes 16 Army Reserve units spread across [[eastern Ontario|eastern]] and [[northeastern Ontario]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/33-canadian-brigade-group.html|title=33 Canadian Brigade Group|access-date=17 August 2025|date=19 September 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> 

In addition to its brigade and support groups, several other formations and units report directly to the division headquarters at [[Denison Armoury]] in Toronto:<ref name=4cdndivunits/>

* 4th Canadian Division Training Centre
* [[2 Military Police Regiment]]
* [[Ceremonial Guard (Canada)|Ceremonial Guard]]
* [[2 Intelligence Company]]
* 3 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

The Ceremonial Guard is administratively a subunit of the [[Governor General's Foot Guards]] (GGFG), but is made up of volunteers from the Regular and Reserve Force across all elements of the Canadian Armed Forces. The Ceremonial Guard are uniformed after the GGFG and the [[Canadian Grenadier Guards]], the two regiments traditionally responsible for such duties in Ottawa.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/4-canadian-division/ceremonial-guard.html|title=Ceremonial Guard|access-date=17 August 2025|date=17 July 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====5th Canadian Division====
{{main|5th Canadian Division}}
[[File:5th Canadian Division Structure.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Organizational chart for the [[5th Canadian Division]]]]
The 5th Canadian Division is responsible for Canadian Army units and activities in [[Atlantic Canada]]. It comprises 2 Regular Force units, 20 Reserve Force units, 4 mixed-force units, and a Canadian Ranger patrol group. The division operates five bases and garrisons in the region. As of 2025, it includes 2,151 Regular Force members, 2,791 Reserve Force members, 1,032 Canadian Rangers, and 673 civilian personnel. Although based in Atlantic Canada, its personnel also operate from Kingston, Ontario.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/5-canadian-division.html|title=5th Canadian Division|access-date=17 August 2025|date=28 February 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

The division includes two brigade groups: [[36 Canadian Brigade Group]], headquartered in [[Halifax, Nova Scotia]], and [[37 Canadian Brigade Group]], headquartered in [[Moncton, New Brunswick]]. In addition to the two brigade groups, there are eight units that report directly to division headquarters in Halifax:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/5-canadian-division/units-formations.html|title=Units and Formations - 5th Canadian Division|access-date=17 August 2025|date=27 February 2023|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

* [[21 Electronic Warfare Regiment]]
* [[5th Canadian Division Support Base Gagetown]]
* [[4th Artillery Regiment (General Support), RCA]]
* [[4 Engineer Support Regiment]]
* 5th Canadian Division Training Centre 
* [[3 Intelligence Company]]
* 5 Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
* Influence Activities

== Personnel ==
As of 2024, the Canadian Army included 22,500 full-time soldiers in the Regular Force. In the same year the Reserve Force had 21,500 part-time soldiers, including 5,300 Canadian Rangers. In addition to commissioned and non-commissioned members, the Army employs 3,500 civilian personnel to support its operations.<ref name=personnelcount/>

===Rank and insignia===
{{Main|Canadian Armed Forces ranks and insignia}}
[[Military rank]]s in the Canadian Army denote an individual's position within the Army's hierarchy. Advancement through the ranks corresponds to increased responsibility and authority. The rank structure is used to facilitate the transmission of orders during operations, ensure clarity of command, and maintain discipline and order.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/rank-appointment-insignia.html|title=Ranks and appointment|date=30 August 2023|access-date=10 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====Commander-in-Chief====
{{multiple image|total_width=200|align=right|image1=Canadian Army (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg|image2=Canadian Army sleeves (Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces).svg|caption1=Board|caption2=Sleeve|footer=[[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces|Commander-in-Chief]] board and sleeve used by the [[governor general of Canada]] when wearing an army uniform.}}
In their capacity as the [[Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Armed Forces|Commander-in-Chief of Canada]], the [[governor general of Canada]] is entitled to wear a distinctive [[general officer]] uniform from any of three environments: navy, army, or air force. The army uniform features a unique general sleeve braid embellished with the governor general's badge. The badge is also embroidered on the uniform’s shoulder straps.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/organizational-structure/governor-general-commander-in-chief.html|title=Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada|date=10 October 2017|access-date=10 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====Officers====
Army [[Officer (armed forces)|officers]] hold positions of command and responsibility. Their roles typically include overseeing personnel, planning, and directing operations, making decisions within their scope of authority, and providing advice to achieve operational objectives.<ref name=ncmvoff>{{cite web|url=https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/|title=Joining the Canadian Armed Forces|access-date=10 August 2025|website=forces.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> 

The rank insignia for Army general officers, like those of other Canadian Armed Forces general and flag officers, features maple leaves, the number of which corresponds to the officer's rank.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cmfmag.ca/duty_calls/general-officer-rank-insignia-to-change/|title=General Officer Rank Insignia to change|date=5 April 2016|access-date=10 August 2025|last=Rehman|first=Mishall|publisher=Canadian Military Family Magazine|website=www.cmfmag.ca}}</ref><ref name=ranks>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/army-ranks.html|title=Canadian Army ranks and badges|date=14 November 2023|access-date=10 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The rank insignia for [[senior officer]]s generally consists of a combination of pips and [[St. Edward's Crown]], although the insignia for majors only includes the crown. The insignia for [[junior officer|junior]] and [[subordinate officer]]s/[[officer cadet]]s consists solely of pips, with the number corresponding to the officer's rank.<ref name=ranks/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canadian-forces-return-to-old-style-ranks-insignia-costs-millions-1.2679716|title=Canadian Forces' return to old-style ranks, insignia costs millions|date=19 June 2014|access-date=10 August 2025|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|website=www.cbc.ca|last=Cudmore|first=James}}</ref>

Foot Guards use alternate titles for some ranks for traditional reasons, with second lieutenants styled as [[Ensign (rank)|ensigns]].<ref name=altranks>{{cite web|url=https://footguards.ca/traditions/|title=Traditions|publisher=Governor General's Foot Guards Regimental Museum|year=2025|access-date=30 October 2025|website=footguards.ca}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|user=CanadianArmy|number=742434110199738368|title=Colour Sergeant is a rank in foot guards regiments of the CAF, equivalent to Warrant Officer}}</ref>
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OF/Canada}}
|}

====Non-commissioned members====
Non-commissioned members in the Army perform operational and support duties and contribute to maintaining safety, discipline, and the welfare of their units.<ref name=ncmvoff/> 

Although private is the lowest rank specified in  the ''[[National Defence Act]]'', some Army units use alternative titles for the rank of private for regimental or historical reasons.<ref name=privalt>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/queens-regulations-orders/vol-1-administration/ch-3-rank-seniority-command-precedence.html|title=QR&O: Volume I - Chapter 3 Rank, Seniority, Command and Precedence|date=28 November 2022|access-date=10 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> This includes certain infantry units, with ''guardsman'' used by foot guards, ''fusilier'' by [[fusilier]] regiments, and ''rifleman'' or ''[[voltigeur]]'' by [[rifle regiment]]s. Armoured units use the title ''trooper'', artillery units use ''gunner'', the Canadian Rangers uses ''ranger'', Canadian Military Engineers use ''sapper'', the [[Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers]] uses ''craftsman'', and the [[Royal Canadian Corps of Signals]] uses ''signaller''. The lowest rank in [[Canadian military bands]] is referred to as ''musician'', ''piper'', or ''drummer'', depending on the type of band and instrument played.<ref name=privalt/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/heritage-manual/chapter-11/annex-a.html|title=Heritage Structure - Annex A – Short Forms of Address|date=29 October 2024|access-date=10 August 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> Warrant officers in regiments of foot guards are also titled differently, as [[colour sergeant]]s.<ref name=altranks/>
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Canada}}
|}
In addition to rank insignias, non-commissioned members appointed as the [[Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer]], Command Chief Warrant Officer, or Senior Appointment Chief Warrant Officer wear distinct insignias to denote the senior appointment. Leaders of military bands, such as drum, pipe, and trumpet/bugle majors, also wear distinctive insignia denoting their appointments.<ref name=ranks/>

=== Training ===
Newly enrolled non-commissioned members of the Army undergo foundational training through [[Basic Military Qualification]] (BMQ), while newly enrolled officers go through [[Basic Military Officer Qualification]] (BMOQ). Both BMQ and BMOQ take place at [[Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/education-training/basic-training/recruit-school/officers.html|title=Training for officers|access-date=10 August 2025|date=9 November 2018|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://forces.ca/en/how-to-join/|title=Joining the Canadian Armed Forces|website=forces.ca|publisher=Canadian Amed Forces|access-date=11 August 2025}}</ref>

====Officer entry plans====
The Canadian Army commissions officers through multiple entry plans, each designed for candidates with different educational backgrounds and levels of military experience, to develop them to the required standard of proficiency expected of an officer. This typically includes providing pathways to complete an academic degree. However, individuals who already possess an [[academic degree]] or technology diploma may qualify for the Direct Entry Officer Plan, which serves as a direct pathway to commissioning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5002/5002-2-direct-entry-officer-plan-regular-force.html|title=DAOD 5002-2, Direct Entry Officer Plan - Regular Force|access-date=10 August 2025|date=13 December 2018|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> 
[[File:RMC Sandhurst 2009.JPG|thumb|[[Officer cadets]] of the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] during the 2009 [[Sandhurst Competition]]]]
Several entry plans offer paid or subsidized education in exchange for military service. The Regular Officer Training Plan involves earning an academic degree at the [[Royal Military College of Canada]] (RMC), the [[Royal Military College Saint-Jean]] (RMC Saint-Jean), or a civilian Canadian university.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://forces.ca/en/paid-education/rotp|title=Regular Officer Training Plan|website=forces.ca|publisher=Canadian Amed Forces|access-date=10 August 2025}}</ref> Due to shortages in specific officer occupations, the Continuing Education Officer Training Plan (CEOTP) was created for select candidates who are otherwise qualified for service as officers but lack an academic degree, allowing them to enter the Army and complete their degree while serving.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5002/5002-6-continuing-education-officer-training-plan-regular-force.html|title=DAOD 5002-6, Continuing Education Officer Training Plan – Regular Force|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

Several entry plans facilitate the transition of serving non-commissioned members to officers. The University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members allows serving members to earn a degree at RMC, RMC Saint-Jean, or a civilian Canadian university in preparation to become officers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5002/5002-9-university-training-plan-for-non-commissioned-members-regular-force.html|title=DAOD 5002-9, University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members – Regular Force|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The Commissioning from the Ranks Plan commissions experienced candidates who demonstrate officer potential, supplementing other commissioning routes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5002/5002-10-commissioning-from-the-ranks-plan.html|title=DAOD 5002-10, Commissioning from the Ranks Plan|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The Special Requirements Commissioning Plan leverages the skills of senior non-commissioned members, such as Chief Warrant Officers, and provides them a route to commissioning.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/policies-standards/defence-administrative-orders-directives/5000-series/5002/5002-11-special-commissioning-plan.html|title=DAOD 5002-11, Special Commissioning Plan|access-date=10 August 2025|date=10 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====Occupational training====
[[File:Fort Frontenac.JPG|thumb|Exterior of [[Fort Frontenac]], home of the [[Canadian Army Command and Staff College]]]]
The Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre is the Army's formation tasked with training and developing [[military doctrine]] and oversees several training organizations and establishments, like the [[Peace Support Training Centre]] and the [[Canadian Army Command and Staff College]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/canadian-army-doctrine-and-training-centre.html|title=Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre (CADTC)|access-date=10 August 2025|date=18 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The Army also operates several schools through the [[Combat Training Centre]] (CTC), including [[Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre]] and the [[Tactics School (Canada)|Tactics School]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/canadian-army-doctrine-and-training-centre/combat-training-centre.html|title=Combat Training Centre|access-date=10 August 2025|date=18 December 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

Several unified Canadian Armed Forces schools are also accessible to Army personnel, including the [[Canadian Forces College]] and the CTC's [[Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/200-eng.html|title=About the Canadian Forces College|access-date=10 August 2025|date=19 August 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/education-training/establishments.html|title=Canadian Armed Forces schools and training establishments|access-date=11 August 2025|date=14 June 2022|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref><ref name=schooleng>{{cite web|url=https://cmea-agmc.ca/heritage-moment/%E2%80%9Cductores-docemus%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-canadian-forces-school-military-engineering|website=cmea-agmc.ca|publisher=The Canadian Militar Engineers Association|title=The Schools of Military Engineering|access-date=11 August 2025|year=2023}}</ref> The latter institution was formerly an army run institution until 1968, when its mandate was expanded to meet the needs of the Navy and Air Force.<ref name=schooleng/>

===Uniforms===
{{Main|Uniforms of the Canadian Forces}}
Uniforms worn by the Canadian Army are regulated by the ''Dress Instructions for the Canadian Forces''. Misuse of the likeness of Canadian Army uniforms is an offence under Article 419 of the [[Criminal Code of Canada]] and is punishable by [[summary conviction]].<ref name=dressinstrucc2>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-2.html|title=Dress instructions - Chapter 2 Uniform, Dress and appearance Section 1 Uniform and Dress|access-date=11 August 2025|date=4 March 2025|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>
[[File:Changing the Guard ceremony in Québec during the summer 2018.jpg|thumb|left|A [[Royal 22nd Regiment]] soldier in No. 1B [[full dress uniform|ceremonial full dress]] alongside another in No. 3B [[service dress uniform|service dress]], 2018]]
Uniforms of the Canadian Armed Forces, including the Army, are categorized into five types, including No. 1 Dress ([[full dress uniform|ceremonial dress]]), No. 2 Dress ([[mess dress]]), No. 3 Dress ([[service dress uniform|service dress]]), No. 4 Dress (occupational dress), and No. 5 Dress ([[Combat uniform|operational dress]]).<ref name=dressinstrucc2/> Each category contains several orders that specify variations for particular occasions.<ref name=dressinstrucc2a>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-2/annex-a.html|title=Dress instructions - Annex A Categories and orders of dress|access-date=11 August 2025|date=12 November 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====Daily duty and operational attire====
No. 3 Dress is the Canadian Army's [[service dress uniform]] worn for daily duties and travel.<ref name=dressinstrucc2a/> It includes a beret, necktie, service jacket, and trousers in Army environmental colours, paired with black leather shoes. Variations include No. 3A, a long-sleeved version, and No. 3B, a short-sleeved version.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-5/annex-c.html|title=Dress instructions - Annex C Service dress – No. 3|access-date=11 August 2025|date=12 March 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

No. 4 Operational Dress consists of uniforms worn during operations, operational training, or as directed.<ref name=dressinstrucc2a/> These include field combat clothing featuring [[CADPAT]] [[digital camouflage]], as well as aviation and naval combat dress. Operational uniforms are used across the entire Canadian Armed Forces and are not specific to any single environmental command.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-5/annex-d.html|title=Dress instructions - Annex D Operational dress|access-date=11 August 2025|date=30 August 2023|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

====Formal attire====
[[File:Remembrance Day 2018 at Queen's Park 328 Remembrance (45835957681).jpg|thumb|Officers in No. 1 Dress, the Army's ceremonial service dress]]
No. 1 Dress includes uniforms for formal occasions, and whose appearance reflect the heritage of the unit.<ref name=dressinstrucc2a/><ref name=dressinstrucc6>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-6.html|title=Dress instructions - Chapter 6 Full dress and undress uniforms|access-date=11 August 2025|date=19 January 2024|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref> The Army's service dress uniforms may also be used for formal occasions, with No. 1 Dress outlining its use when worn with medals and accoutrements, and No. 1A Dress outlining its use when worn with medals only.<ref name=dressinstrucc6/> 

The Army's universal full dress uniform, No. 1B Dress, is the Army's most formal attire and includes a white [[Wolseley helmet]], a [[red coat (military uniform)|red coat]], and [[royal blue]] trousers. Most units are authorized some minor regimental differences to reflect the unit's history, although some units are authorized significant differences from the universal full dress. This includes changes to the headdress for artillery, [[hussar]], horse guards, rifle, and kilted Irish and [[Canadian-Scottish regiment]]s, as well as changes to the colour of the tunic or [[Doublet (Highland dress)|doublet]]. Unlike other uniforms in the CAF, which are issued, full dress uniforms are generally purchased by the service member, except for officer cadets at Canadian military colleges and volunteers to the Ceremonial Guard, for whom they are provided.<ref name=dressinstrucc6/> 
[[File:Canadian Army, Command Sgt. Maj. mess dress.jpg|thumb|A Canadian Army sergeant major in No. 2 [[mess dress]] during a formal ball]]
No. 2 Dress is a uniform worn for military dinners and other formal evening events. The standard pattern includes a red [[mess jacket]], blue waistcoat, and either trousers or a kilt. Similar to full dress uniforms, several Army units have authorized regimental variations to their mess dress.<ref name=dressinstrucc5b>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/dress-manual/chapter-5/annex-b/appendix-1.html|title=Dress instructions - Annex B Appendix 1 Branch and regimental nos. 2 and 2a orders of dress|access-date=11 August 2025|date=30 August 2023|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada}}</ref>

==Equipment==
{{further|List of equipment of the Canadian Armed Forces|List of historical equipment of the Canadian military|Planned Canadian Forces projects}}
===Vehicles===
{{further|Tanks of Canada}}
[[File:Canadian Leopard 2A4 in 2017 - 170514-A-KY778-001.jpg|thumb|A [[Leopard 2A4]] during a military exercise at [[CFB Wainwright]], 2017]]
The Canadian Army operates a variety of vehicles including the [[Leopard 2]] series [[main battle tank]], which includes variants such as the Leopard 2A4, 2A4M, 2A6M. These tanks are primarily deployed to provide direct fire support.<ref name=leopard2>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/vehicles/leopard-2a4-tank.html|title=Leopard 2 Family of Vehicles|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=10 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> They are supported by [[LAV 6]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]]s, which offer enhanced fire support, protection, and mobility for infantry.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/vehicles/leopard-2a4-tank.html|title=Leopard 2 Family of Vehicles|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=10 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> [[Armoured reconnaissance]] and [[command and control]] vehicles in use include the [[Bison and Coyote armoured vehicles|Coyote armoured vehicle]] and the [[Textron tactical armoured patrol vehicle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/vehicles/coyote.html|title=Coyote|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=10 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/vehicles/vehicle-tapv.html|title=Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV)|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=11 August 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Saint-André-Avelin 27 avril 2019 VBL.jpg|thumb|A [[LAV 6]] [[infantry fighting vehicle]] in [[Saint-André-Avellin]], Quebec, 2019]]
Other vehicles the Canadian Army uses for personnel transport and logistics includes the amphibious [[Bandvagn 206]] and the [[Mercedes-Benz G-Class|G Wagon - Light Utility Vehicle Wheeled]]. Armoured support vehicles in use include the [[Armoured Combat Support Vehicle]] and the Leopard 2ARV and 2AEV variants, the latter two used for armoured recovery and engineering purposes.<ref name=leopard2/><ref name=vehicles>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/vehicles.html|title=Vehicles|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=14 April 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> Other support vehicles include the [[Iveco VM 90|Light Support Vehicle Wheeled]], [[Medium Support Vehicle System]], and the [[Steyr 90 series|Heavy Logistics Vehicle Wheeled]].<ref name=vehicles/>

The army also operates several specialized armored vehicles for [[demining]] and route clearance, including the [[Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)|Buffalo]], and [[Husky VMMD]]. For transport, route opening personnel utilize the [[Cougar (MRAP)|Cougar]] [[mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle]].<ref name=vehicles/>

===Weapons===
The Canadian Army's standard issue weapon is the 5.56 mm [[Colt Canada C7 and C8]] rifles, while the [[SIG Sauer P320|C22 pistol]] is the standard [[Sidearm (weapon)|sidearm]]. The C7A2 serves as the standard personal [[assault rifle]], while the C8A3 [[carbine]] is used when space constraints limit the use of the C7A2.<ref name=weapons>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons.html|title=Weapons|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons/carabine-c8a3.html|title=C8A3 Carbine Automatic Rifle|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Canadian paratroopers set up a defensive perimeter.jpg|thumb|left|Canadian Army soldiers equipped with [[Colt Canada C7 and C8|C7A2 rifles]] set up a defensive perimeter, 2022]]
The .50 calibre [[McMillan TAC-50|C15A2]] is the designated long-range sniper weapon of the Canadian Army, while the [[Colt Canada C20 DMR]] is the [[designated marksman rifle]].<ref name=weapons/> Weapons used to provide support and sustained fire include the [[FN Minimi|C9A2]] [[light machine gun]], [[FN MAG|C6A1]] [[general-purpose machine gun]], and the [[M2 Browning|M2HB]] [[heavy machine gun]].<ref name=weapons/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons/mshb-qcb50-cal.html|title=FN Herstal M2HB-QCB .50-Cal. Heavy Machine Gun|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=22 August 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons/c6-general-purpose-machine-gun.html|title=C6 and C6A1 7.62-mm Medium Machine Gun|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> Other weapons used by Canadian soldiers include the [[L16 81mm mortar|81mm mortar]] for indirect fire and the [[M72 LAW]] [[anti-tank weapon]].<ref name=weapons/>

The Canadian Army has two artillery systems, the [[M101 howitzer|C3 105mm howitzer]] and the [[M777 howitzer|M777 155mm howitzer]].<ref name=weapons/> The former provides close fire support while the latter system can provide fire support as far as {{convert|40|km|mi}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons/c3-105mm-howitzer.html|title=C3 105-mm Howitzer|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref><ref name=M777>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/equipment/weapons/m777-howitzer.html|title=M777 Howitzer|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 February 2021|access-date=5 August 2025}}</ref> The M777 howitzer is also able to be combined with the [[M982 Excalibur]] [[guided artillery shell]], providing accurate fire up to {{convert|30|km|mi}} away.<ref name=M777/>

== Bases and facilities==
[[File:Cypress County, AB, Canada - panoramio.jpg|thumb|Entrance to [[CFB Suffield]], the largest [[Canadian Forces base]] used by the Army]]
There are 10 [[Canadian Forces Bases]] that the Canadian Army uses to house brigade groups and regiments, as well as to provide training and support facilities for its personnel.<ref name=bases>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/bases-and-units.html|title=Bases and Units|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=26 May 2021|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> This includes [[CFB Gagetown]] in New Brunswick, [[CFB Valcartier]] in Quebec, Garrison Petawawa, CFB Kingston and [[CFB Toronto]] in Ontario, [[CFB Shilo]] in Manitoba, and CFB Edmonton and [[CFB Suffield]] in Alberta.<ref name=bases/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/reports-publications/proactive-disclosure/welcome-binder-associate-minister-national-defence/canadian-armed-forces-footprint.html|title=Canadian Armed Forces Footprint|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=17 April 2025|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> CFB Suffield is the largest Canadian Army base, hosting the Army's largest military training area, as well as the [[British Army Training Unit Suffield]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/corporate/3-canadian-division/canadian-forces-base-suffield.html|title=Canadian Forces Base, Suffield|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=16 July 2021|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref> 
[[File:Nortel - Carling Campus (3443785027).jpg|thumb|[[NDHQ Carling]] in Ottawa houses Canadian Army Headquarters]]
Alongside these 10 Canadian Forces Bases, the Canadian Army also operates several detachments and support bases, like [[CFB Wainwright|3rd Canadian Division Support Base Detachment Wainwright]].<ref name=bases/> 
Canadian Army Headquarters, the central administrative and command location for the Canadian Army, is located at [[NDHQ Carling]] in Ottawa.<ref name=directory>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/contact-us/dnd-media-contact-list.html|title=Media contact list for the Department of National Defence|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=3 January 2024|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

The Canadian Army Reserve maintains [[List of armouries in Canada|armouries across Canada]]. Approximately 97 per cent of Canadians live within 45 minutes of a Canadian Army Reserve armoury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2017/09/canadian_army_reservearmouriesacrosscanadagetsettowelcomethepubl.html|title=Canadian Army Reserve Armouries across Canada get set to welcome the public|website=www.canada.ca|publisher=Government of Canada|date=28 September 2017|access-date=6 August 2025}}</ref>

==Symbols==
===Badges===
The Canadian Army and its brigades, support groups, and regiments, all have distinct badges that serve as visual identifiersfor these commands and units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/flags/flags-army.html|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=24 August 2025|date=4 February 2025|publisher=Government of Canada|title=Canadian Forces Camp and Branch flags}}</ref> Badges of the Canadian Army are approved by the minister of National Defence, with any badges containing a Royal device, like a Crown, also requiring the authorization of the [[monarchy of Canada|monarch]] or [[Governor-in-Council]].{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=2}}

====Canadian Army badge====
The Canadian Army badge is made up of three conjoined [[maple leaves]] superimposed on crossed swords, surmounted by the Crown.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=2}} The design, created by [[Archer Fortescue Duguid]],{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=2}} was issued with approval on 7 April 1947.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=4}} The crossed swords symbolize the Army's military history and its teamwork in defence of Canada. The three maple leaves are taken from the [[coat of arms of Canada]], representing the heritage of the army and its service to the Canadian sovereign and country.<ref name=armybadge>{{cite web|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/2843|title=Canadian Army|website=www.gg.ca|publisher=Governor General of Canada|access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

Prior to the adoption of a unique badge, the Army used the Canadian coat of arms as its badge.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=4}} Discussions about a unique badge for the Army began as early as 1945, before Duguid's design was selected.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=2}} Several Canadian Army Orders were issued in subsequent years that altered the design, like in 1953, when Crown was changed from the [[Tudor Crown]] to [[St Edward's Crown]].{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=4}}

Following the 1968 unification of Canada's military branches into the CAF, the Army's badge was replaced by CAF emblems.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=7–8}} A new insignia was approved for Force Mobile Command in 1967 anticipation of unification, featuring a red 11-point maple leaf on a white field over four blue arrowheads pointing to the cardinal directions, symbolizing national identity and mobility by land, sea, and air.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=15}} The insignia was incorporated into the standardized heraldic frames for CAF commands following royal approval in September 1968, with its heraldic blazon published in 1976.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=22}}
{{multiple image
 | align = right
 | direction = horizontal
 | image1 = LANDFORCOM Emblem.svg
 | width = 122
 | caption1 = 1993–2011
 | image2 = CA Emblem.svg
 | caption2 = 2011–2016
 |footer= From 1968 to 2011, the army's badges featured unique insignias placed inside a CAF heraldic frame
}}
After Force Mobile Command was reorganized as Land Force Command, a new badge for the army was created, based on the original Canadian Army badge but with a single maple leaf instead of three conjoined leaves. During this reorganization, there was a proposal for Land Force Command Headquarters to readopt the original Canadian Army badge, however, it was not implemented.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=25}} 

Shortly after and Force Command was redesignated as the Canadian Army, it adopted a new badge that incorporated the original pre-unification Canadian Army badge into the CAF's heraldic frame.{{sfn|Dunn|2023|p=31}} In 2016, the Army approved a new badge that revived the original 1947 design and removed the heraldic frame.<ref name=armybadge/>

===Flags===
[[File:GuardFlagKandahar.jpg|thumb|[[Canadian Grenadier Guards]] carry their regimental flag at [[Camp Nathan Smith]] in Afghanistan, 2008]]
The Canadian Army, and its regiments and service battalions have flags that serve as symbols and visuals identifiers for these units.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/flags/flags-army.html|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=24 August 2025|date=4 February 2025|publisher=Government of Canada|title=Canadian Forces Camp and Branch flags}}</ref> 
[[File:Presentation of Colours March Off RRC.JPG|thumb|March-off of the [[Royal Regiment of Canada]]'s old [[Military colours, standards and guidons|colours]] during the [[Presentation of Colours|presentation of new colours]], 2009]]
The Army's armoured and infantry regiments also possess consecrated flags known as [[Military colours, standards and guidons|colours]], symbolizing the unit's honour, pride, and dedication to Canada and typically display [[battle honour]]s to the unit.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/military-identity-system/guidons-colours-standards-gallery/gallery-guidons-colours-standards-army.html|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=27 August 2025|date=4 February 2025|publisher=Government of Canada|title=Gallery of Canadian Forces Guidons, colours and standards}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/events/guidons-standards-colours.html|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=27 August 2025|date=29 August 2024|publisher=Government of Canada|title=Guidons, Standards and Colours}}</ref>

====Canadian Army flag====
The flag of the Canadian Army is red, adopted in 2018, is charged with a white maple leaf bearing the Canadian Army badge, and features the [[flag of Canada]] in the [[Canton (flag)|canton]]. Red is used as it is the Army’s official colour, the white maple leaf is based on the emblem worn by Canadian soldiers during the First World War, while the national flag in the canton signifies its use as a CAF command flag.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gg.ca/en/heraldry/public-register/project/3034|title=Canadian Army|website=www.gg.ca|publisher=Governor General of Canada|access-date=24 August 2025}}</ref>

===Marches===
The Canadian Army, along with its formations and units, have authorized [[march (music)|marches]] distinct to their own organizations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/services/defence/caf/showcasing/music/official-marches.html|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=24 August 2025|date=11 March 2025|publisher=Government of Canada|title=Official marches of the Canadian Forces}}</ref> [[The Great Little Army]] was adopted as the Army's official march in 2013, replacing ''Celer Paratus Callidus'', which had been used since 1968. An army spokesperson noted that the previous march was neither "particularly tuneful nor easily recognizable," while the new march was "appropriate in both name and tune."<ref>{{cite newspaper|title=Canadian Army adopts British-made march|publisher=Postmedia Network|date=7 June 2013|newspaper=The Edmonton Journal|last=Berthiaume|first=Lee}}</ref>

===Mascot===
The Army adopted an anthropomorphic bear as its [[military mascot]] to represent its personnel, with the name "Juno" selected through a public contest in 2003, honouring the [[Juno Beach]] landings of the Battle of Normandy. On [[Remembrance Day]] in 2015, the Army adopted a [[polar bear]] at the [[Toronto Zoo]] as its "live mascot", also naming her Juno and appointing her an honorary private. She was later promoted to honorary corporal on her first birthday and to honorary master corporal on her fifth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/army/services/juno.html|title=Juno the Canadian Army Mascot|publisher=Government of Canada|website=www.canada.ca|access-date=24 August 2025|date=7 December 2022}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Portal|Canada}}
* [[ABCANZ Armies]]
* [[Arctic Response Company Group]]
* [[Canadian Army Trophy]]
* [[Canadian Special Operations Forces Command]]
* [[Formation patches of the Canadian Army]]
* [[Regimental nicknames of the Canadian Forces]]
* [[Soldier Apprentice]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== Notes ==
{{notefoot}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite journal|last=Dunn|first=Brittany|title=A Documentary History of the Badge of the Canadian Army|journal=Canadian Military History|volume=32|issue=2|year=2023|url=https://scholars.wlu.ca/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2145&context=cmh}}
* {{cite book|title=Introduction to the Study of Military History for Canadian Students|editor-last1=Stacey|editor-first1=C. P.|publisher=Directorate of Training Canadian Forces Headquarters|edition=Sixth|year=1964|url=https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/themes/defence/caf/militaryhistory/dhh/general/book-1964-history-students-en.pdf}}
* Kasurak, Peter. ''A National Force: The Evolution of Canada's Army, 1950–2000'' (Vancouver: UBC Press, 2013)

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://forces.ca/en/about-us/army forces.ca] - The Canadian Army

{{Canadian Army}}
{{Canadian Armed Forces}}
{{Allied Land Command}}
{{Armies in America}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Canadian Army| ]]
[[Category:1867 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of Canada in World War II]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1855]]