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RCAF Centennial

RCAF Centennial

RCAF 100 logoToday we celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Air Force.

1 April 2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a distinct military element. The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future.

For more information on the RCAF centennial visit their website or the Government of Canada website.

Key historical moments

Authorization of the RCAF

The RCAF was formed on 1 April 1924. It had three components – a full-time permanent force (regular force), a part-time non-permanent force (air reserve), and a reserve of non-active personnel. No non-permanent units were created at that time as the funding was not available. The RCAF was not an independent organization as it reported to the Chief of the General Staff, the head of the Canadian Militia (the name of the Canadian Army at the time). The RCAF was now a full-time organization with its own orders: the King's Regulations and Orders for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Pay and Allowance Regulations for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Although its role did include the defence of Canada, this role would take a back seat to flying operations performed for other government departments.

RCAF Becomes Independent of the Canadian Militia
From the time of its formation, the RCAF had been under the command of the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), the head of the Canadian Militia, as the Canadian Army was then known. On 19 November 1938, the RCAF no longer reported to the CGS but directly to the Minister of National Defence.
Canadian Forces Reorganization Act Comes Into Effect

On 1 February 1968, the Canadian Forces Reorganization Act Come came into effect, amalgamating the RCAF, Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army. The RCAF was broken up to be part of Air Defence Command, Air Transport Command, Materiel Command, Training Command, Maritime Command and Mobile Command. The first four were largely composed of former RCAF units.

Air Command Begins Operations

On 2 September 1975, Air Command began bringing air units under its command and administrative control. It also began to develop air-related policies for all air units and personnel. This was the start of one unified air force again.

 

Wing Cdr Barker - RCAF 100
Wing Commander Barker, VC, DSO, MC, the first director of the RCAF when it was formed on 1 April 1924. He was in the position temporarily, until 19 May 1924.

RCAF WWII

WRCAF

Snowbirds
Image credits. All the above images are from the RCAF 100 website

RCAF Centennial

RCAF 100 logoToday we celebrate the 100th anniversary of The Royal Canadian Air Force.

1 April 2024 marks 100 years of service for the Royal Canadian Air Force as a distinct military element. The Centennial milestone places the RCAF in a unique position to honour its distinct heritage; recognize its tremendous people today; and generate excitement for its bright future.

For more information on the RCAF centennial visit their website or the Government of Canada website.

Key historical moments

Authorization of the RCAF

The RCAF was formed on 1 April 1924. It had three components – a full-time permanent force (regular force), a part-time non-permanent force (air reserve), and a reserve of non-active personnel. No non-permanent units were created at that time as the funding was not available. The RCAF was not an independent organization as it reported to the Chief of the General Staff, the head of the Canadian Militia (the name of the Canadian Army at the time). The RCAF was now a full-time organization with its own orders: the King's Regulations and Orders for the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Pay and Allowance Regulations for the Royal Canadian Air Force. Although its role did include the defence of Canada, this role would take a back seat to flying operations performed for other government departments.

RCAF Becomes Independent of the Canadian Militia
From the time of its formation, the RCAF had been under the command of the Chief of the General Staff (CGS), the head of the Canadian Militia, as the Canadian Army was then known. On 19 November 1938, the RCAF no longer reported to the CGS but directly to the Minister of National Defence.
Canadian Forces Reorganization Act Comes Into Effect

On 1 February 1968, the Canadian Forces Reorganization Act Come came into effect, amalgamating the RCAF, Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Army. The RCAF was broken up to be part of Air Defence Command, Air Transport Command, Materiel Command, Training Command, Maritime Command and Mobile Command. The first four were largely composed of former RCAF units.

Air Command Begins Operations

On 2 September 1975, Air Command began bringing air units under its command and administrative control. It also began to develop air-related policies for all air units and personnel. This was the start of one unified air force again.

 

RCAF WWII

WRCAF

Snowbirds
Image credit. All the above images are from the RCAF 100 website
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Afghanistan veterans

Canada and the War in Afghanistan

Flag and arm cropCanada's longest war and its first significant combat engagement since the Korean War (1950-1953) was in Afghanistan from 2001-20014.

After the 2001 terror attacks on the United States, Canada joined an international coalition to dismantle the al-Qaeda terrorist network and the Taliban regime that sheltered it in Afghanistan.

Although the Taliban rulers were removed from power until 2021 and the al-Qaeda network was disrupted, Canada and its allies failed to eradicate either group and were unable to secure and stabilize Afghanistan.

More than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served in the 12-year campaign. The war killed 165 Canadians - 158 soldiers and 7 civilians.

Many Canadian veterans of the war in Afghanistan suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. According to an investigation by the Globe and Mail, more than 70 Canadian soldiers and veterans who were deployed to Afghanistan had committed suicide by December 2017. “Many had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues related to their military work, along with personal problems such as relationship breakdowns and financial stress.” 

If you are a veteran affected by PTSD or other OSI (Operational Stress Injury) please feel free to reach out to our Service Officer John Vanderelst or see the list of resources on our Veterans pages.

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