First time in 68-years CAF General to be appointed Deputy Commander United Nations Command Korea 

Lieutenant-General Wayne D. Eyre of the Canadian Armed Forces is the appointed Deputy Commander Designate of United Nations Command (UNC) Korea. He is the first non-US General Officer to hold the post in its 68-year existence.

The appointment of Lieutenant-General Eyre shows Canadian leadership and underlines Canada’s enhanced role in recent years, supporting stability on the Korean Peninsula. Canada works hand-in-hand with its allies to breathe new life into the UNC and has actively taken part in military exercises, reducing the risk of accidental escalation that potentially debilitates diplomatic efforts.

“The appointment of Lieutenant-General Eyre to Deputy Commander – UNC Korea, and the increase in the contribution of the Canadian Armed Forces further demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the Armistice. The decision to increase our participation in the UNC is part of our continuous efforts to support our key partners in the Asia-Pacific region,” said Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan in a press release issued May 14.

This summer, the CAF’s contribution to the UNC is expected to grow from six personnel to around 15.

“I am looking forward to taking on the challenge of Deputy Commander – UNC Korea and am incredibly honoured to be selected for this position. I will do all I can to support this objective. The increase in the Canadian Armed Forces’ contribution is a further example of the Canadian Armed Forces being a force for good around the world,” said Lieutenant-General Eyre in the press release.

Lt. Gen. Eyre was born in Wadena, SK, and completed high school in Medicine Hat, AB. He split his post-secondary years between Royal Roads Military College in Victoria, BC, and Royal Military College in Kingston, ON, graduating in 1988.

In 2001, Col. Eyre received a promotion and was posted to Quantico, Virginia where he attended the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College. In the following year, he attended the USMC School of Advanced Warfighting, taking a course in developing operational planners.

Upon his return to Canada, he became a section head in the Directorate of Defence Analysis at National Defence Headquarters in Ottawa and led a team in developing the Canadian Forces’ first Strategic Operating Concept.

In June 2004, assumed command of  3 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI).

In February 2007  he commanded the Canadian Operational Mentor and Liaison team in Afghanistan. While there Lt. Gen. Eyre mentored the commander of 1-205 Brigade, Afghan National Army, through combat operations in Kandahar and Uruzgan Provinces.

In August 2007, he relinquished command of 3 PPCLI and become the J3 of Canadian Expeditionary Force Command in January 2008.

In 2009 he assumed command of 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group in Petawawa.

In 2014 he moved back to Edmonton where he commanded 3rd Canadian Division (3rd Cdn Div) and Joint Task Force West. He returned to Ottawa in 2016 and was posted to the position of Deputy Commander Military Personnel Command.

The decision for Canada to increase its participation aligns with Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged and shows the importance Canada puts on security in the Asia-Pacific region and exhibits Canada’s resolve in standing with key Canadian allies and partners, including South Korea, in unison with Canadian values and interests stated in the press release.

Supporting a strong UNC with a vast international composition contributes to Canada’s objective in making conditions conducive to peaceful, diplomatic solutions on the Korean Peninsula.