A New Trade for Force Protection
The RCAF is establishing Security Forces, or SecFor, as a dedicated force protection occupation. The move is meant to help the RCAF support the introduction of advanced air and space systems that require higher levels of security than the force has traditionally maintained. In practice, that means a standing group of trained personnel whose job is guarding aircraft, facilities and equipment rather than general policing duties layered onto other trades.
Training Starts This Fall
Members of the new unit will begin training in the United States in October. Eligible serving members interested in joining SecFor could apply, with submissions due by August 14. For Non-Commissioned Members, the primary entry route into the trade is through the Special Compulsory Occupation Transfer, while officers may apply for a three-year special employment opportunity and Primary Reserve members may apply for Class B employment opportunities.
Selected members will complete their training with the United States Air Force, delivered by the 343rd Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio and Camp Bullis. The course is physically demanding and runs for approximately 70 days spread over four months, a significant commitment for the Canadians selected to build out the new trade from the ground up.
Where the New Force Will Be Based
Most of the personnel will be situated at 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alberta, and 3 Wing Bagotville, Quebec, the two bases most directly tied to Canada's fighter jet operations. Most initial postings will land at those same two wings, with a smaller number of limited positions available at 1 Canadian Air Division Headquarters and 2 Canadian Air Division Headquarters.
Gearing Up for the F-35
The timing lines up with Canada's biggest fighter jet purchase in decades. The country will accept the first of its 16 F-35s in the new year, with initial training conducted in the U.S. before the planes are transferred to airbases in Canada in 2028. The deal to purchase the full fleet is expected to cost taxpayers around $27 billion, with another $5.5 billion needed on top of that to bring the planes to full operational capability.
Sources: Yahoo News Canada (Ottawa Citizen), Canada.ca / RCAF Maple Leaf
