Is There a Place for Elite Forces in the Canadian Army?

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The purpose of this research was to determine whether there is a place for elite forces in the Canadian army. The genesis of the study is an observed disconnect between Canadian government expectations of a military capable of providing a wide range of policy options and an army conspicuous by its absence on the battlefields of the last decade. In times of need, especially when militarily weak, nations have often resorted to elite forces. In determining whether elite forces are a panacea for the Canadian army, a literature review developed a theoretical framework that emphasized patterns and gaps in existing knowledge and confirmed a definition of elite forces. A historical review of Canadian elite forces from 1900 determined the rationale for the maintenance of these types of troops in the Canadian army. In addition, a comparative study of five nations, similar to Canada, determined why these countries maintain elite forces. Finally, the study analyzed the policies of the Canadian government and attitudes of the Canadian people to the existence of elite forces in their army. The thesis concludes by recommending a structure that incorporates the advantages of elite forces as a way of improving the army’s relevance.