Mishall RehmanThe Canadian Army’s next High Readiness Task Force was announced by 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) in a ceremony in Petawawa, ON on June 21. Entitled Task Force Tomahawk (TF Tomahawk), the Task Force begins the road to high readiness next month.
“It is with great excitement and pride that I announce the evolution of 2 CMBG into the agile, flexible combined arms Task Force Tomahawk. The warriors of this Task Force will stand ready to carry out whatever mission is demanded of them when we assume the High Readiness Task in 2018,” said Col. Conrad Mialkowski, Commander of 2 CMBG.
The High Readiness Task Force is comprised of regular and reserve force Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members. Their duty is to serve as the on-call formation ready to respond to orders received by the Government of Canada.
TF Tomahawk will formally begin the road to High Readiness on July 17, 2016, and will assume the High Readiness mandate in 2017 from 1 CMBG based in Edmonton.
Starting in July 2017, 2 CMBG will serve as Canada High Readiness Brigade. The Brigade will be responsible for providing troops from the individual to Brigade level for a wide range of operational tasks including security force assistance and combat. TF Tomahawk will also include the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.
“With the mandate to generate and maintain a combat ready multi-purpose land forces in Ontario, the 4th Canadian Division plays a crucial role in ensuring the Canadian Army, and in turn, the Canadian Armed Forces, maintain operational excellence and meet key objectives. With the creation of Task Force Tomahawk, we are able to demonstrate this commitment to excellence as we embark on the road to high readiness,” said BGen. Lowell Thomas, Commander 4th Canadian Division.
Tuesday’s ceremony was attended by Chief Kirby Whiteduck of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation to present a ceremonial tomahawk to 2 CMBG in recognition of the TF Tomahawk name. The tomahawk was chosen as a name and emblem for this High Readiness Task Force “in celebration of the rich warrior culture of Canada’s aboriginal community. Additionally, the symbol of the Tomahawk is seen as a well-regarded instrument known for its versatility as an innovative and flexible tool and weapon,” according to a Department of National Defence press release.
TF Tomahawk will be followed by 5 CMBG, based in Valcartier, Quebec, in the High Readiness task in 2018.
Photo Courtesy of The Guild of Royal Canadian Dragoons Facebook page.
