Vanguard Magazine

12 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2018 www.vanguardcanada.com interView Q Security is paramount in every operation and area. What do you perceive to be some of the threats to the security of the Canadian Arctic? From a defence perspective, the North is a vast area of approach to our continent which must be defended. To this end, through NORAD, a bi-national Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) has been launched to examine the technologies that will form the basis of the next generation of systems to surveil, defend and control this avenue of approach from evolving threats. Joint Task Force (North), through CJOC, sup- ports Tri Command (NORAD, CJOC, USNORTHCOM) initiatives by enabling S&T efforts in the North that will contrib- ute to future systems. JTFN also collabo- rates with different organizations and In- digenous governments in order to achieve our mandate of defence and security in the North. Communications and logisti- cal support is challenging in the Arctic due to lack of redundancy and environmental considerations. To be strong at home, we ensure the North is defended and work with our Arctic partners to address the security and safety in this austere environ- ment. This is why we are in the North; to provide the mechanism to plan and coor- dinate operations along with our northern partners and stakeholders. Q How do you face the communica- tions challenges of the Arctic? We are very excited about the new capabil- ities that will be delivered under SSE, but for now, despite the limited communica- tion infrastructure in the North, we have addressed our communication challenges in many ways. Firstly, we use the existing communication infrastructure, as it is still the most cost-efficient way to send mes- sages across three territories as long as we do not overwhelm the communities' ser- vice capacity. Secondly, we augment exist- ing limited communication infrastructure in northern communities with our own military satellite communication systems such as Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN), Ground Antenna Transmit and Receive (GATR), and other satellite in- ternet services that provide ultra-portable and reliable connections across the three territories. Finally, we have our own mili- tary assets such as High Frequency radios that can be deployed as an alternate means of communication to satellite communica- tions. Due to the Arctic's flat landscape, these radio waves can travel far and can be an effective way to communicate. Effective communications being crucial to success- ful operations, JTFN always plans backup communication systems for any operation. Q What will the NANOOK series of exercises focus on in the coming year? Changes in the Arctic are constant and have been for decades. Waterways are more accessible, tourism has increased, and industries are looking for new busi- ness opportunities. This means that the CAF needs to adapt to new demands and challenges by improving the way we operate in Arctic conditions. Through enhanced collaboration with federal de- partments and agencies, Indigenous and territorial governments, and international and northern partners, JTFN helps devel- op scenarios that stress, yet support, part- ner objectives to tackle northern defence, security and safety concerns. Operation NANOOK – the CAF signature operation which delivers Arctic training, develops partnerships, and improves readiness of its participants – will reinforce the CAF as a key organization and expert in Arctic de- fence, security and safety matters not only in Canada's North, but in the circumpolar strategic context. Operation NANOOK is no longer a month long operation during late-summer. It is now a yearlong opera- tion with five deployments to ensure the best possible benefit for everyone par- ticipating. Operation NANOOK provides more persistent presence and surveillance in the North while keeping northern part- ners connected. Q Would you support the deployment of SAR assets in your area of responsi- bility? Search and Rescue (SAR) is a shared re- sponsibility across Canada. Therefore, I support the deployment of SAR assets to the North. As a representative of the CAF in the Arctic region, I am proactive in SAR missions regardless of whose responsibility it is to respond by anticipating needs and supporting request for resources. There are various agencies and departments re- sponsible for different aspects of search and rescue. JTFN supports SAR by facili- tating Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) when a request is received through a ter- ritory. JTFN's Joint Operations Centre monitors all SAR events within our area of responsibility and assesses the need for a rapid deployment of GSAR personnel. If GSAR is necessary, I can authorize ac- tivation of the 1st Canadian Ranger Pa- trol Group to help the lead agency in the nearby community where the SAR event is occurring. Q The Arctic Security Working Group meets biannually to strengthen rela- tionships between governments and communities in addressing northern issues. What are some of the benefits of collaborating with the Arctic Security Working Group, and what impact is this having in your role as Commander of the JTFN? The Arctic Security Working Group (ASWG) is a platform that is co-chaired by Joint Task Force (North) and the three territorial governments. This meeting brings together over 20 federal depart- ments and agencies, territorial govern- ments, international participation from Alaska and Greenland, as well as Arctic academics and other experts to talk about defence, security and safety in the region. The purpose of ASWG is to enhance co- operation and collaboration, to leverage resources, and to enhance interoperabil- ity. This is the forum where many other departments and levels of government can come together to inform each other about their capabilities and requirements. This sharing of knowledge and resources mirrors northern culture and supports ef- forts to ensure the security and safety of the North.

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