JOINT TASK FORCE TWO (JTF 2) PERSONNEL SECTION 98/99
CANFORGEN 102/98 ADM(HR-MIL) 066 060952Z Oct 98 The following text is a repeat of the Ref. Quote.
1. Intro: JTF 2 is the CF Unit responsible for federal level counter-terrorist/hostage rescue operations. This mandate demand personnel who possess very specific personal attributes and capabilities and who can be trained to perform a diverse range of unique tactics, techniques and skills
2. The Unit is comprised of three categories(cat) of employment: a) Cat A - special operations assaulters (ASLTRS) who are directly employable in the tactical aspects of counter-terrorist/hostage rescue and other high value tasks. This Cat is open to both genders of any MOC and any rank from pte - Maj. They must be volunteers and are selected based on the successful completion of a selection process and the special operations assaulter course (SOAC) b) Cat B - consists of personnel who are employable in CBT SP tasks during JTF 2 Ops. This Cat is comprised of two groups as fols:
(1) Mobility - this is a recently established group tasked with tactical mobility and other CBT SP tasks (eg. Fire sp). Mbrs receive skills trg in JTF 2 which will incl high speed tactical operation of a variety of vehs and watercraft plus extensive trg with crew served and pers wpns. The Unit is actively seeking volunteers for this dynamic new role which is open to both genders of any MOC and any rank from pte - WO. Cat B (mobility) mbrs must be volunteers and are selected based on the successful completion of a new selection process (commencing 1999) and successful completion of the skills trg.
(2) Specialists - selected technical specialists who provide specialty skills, which are directly related to their MOC. Cat B(specialists) are volunteers or those identified and recommended by their CO‘s and career managers and are selected based on their superior trade skills. A review of their career and pers profiles and a personal interview conducted by JTF 2. It is emphasized that these Cat B(specialists) are screened and selected as per Cat C below.
(3) Cat C - consists of service support pers who are selected from regular force MOCs to fulfill JTF 2 support requirements. Mbrs are selected from those who volunteer and those personnel identified and recommended by CO‘s and career managers for service in JTF2. A review of their career and pers profiles and an interview JTF 2 will be conducted.
3. JTF 2 will commence screening CF volunteers for Cat A and B(mobility)-repeat Cat B(mobility)in Nov 98. Pre-requisites are as fols: a) med category - 32225 b) mbr must have a min of 3 years svc and be eligible for a second basic engagement(be) prior to commencement of phase iv skills trg c) reservists must be prepared to commit to a four year pd of svc prior to commencement of phase iv skills trg.
4. The screening, selection and trg process for Cat A and Cat B(mobility) is as fols: a) phase i - initial application at Unit level (1) mbr volunteers through his/her chain of comd (2) mbr undergoes PT test (coopers test) which must be administered by PSP staff at a CF gym. Min std for the PT test is as fols: i) 1 1/2 mile run - 11 minutes or less ii) pushups (no rest stops) - min 40 iii) situps (1 minute ) - min 40 iv) overhand, straightarm chinups - min 5 v) bench press(4 inches from chest to full arm extension - 1 press) - min 65kg
Note: the overall test scoring is based on an aggregate point system. Historically nobody with a total score of less than 75 points has ever successfully completed the Cat A selection process. ie. Achieving the bare minimum standard in each exercise as indicated above will not be sufficient to attain those 75 points. The fitness levels required for Cat B(mobility) employment are presently being identified but as a general guideline mbrs should be able to achieve at least 65 points. PSP reps at CF gyms will be able to brief interested mbrs on the Cooper tests scoring system or mbrs may contact the recruiting WO at the number provided below. (3) unit co fwds letter to dhtc ottawa/ci//verifying: i) the volunteers particulars ii) which Cat(A or B)is being applied for iii) that he/she has met the basic criteria as set out above, and iv) provides a recommendation based on the mbrs job performance, overall character, and details of any fin, disciplinary, pers, admin issues that might affect suitability (4) accompanying the letter must be a copy of the mbrs ASAP and NLT 5 working days prior to the commencement of DHTC screening team visits to respective CF bases as detailed below (6) no financial commitment to be made at this stage a) phase ii - regional screening (7) JTF 2 teams will visit the fol CF bases on dates indicated to conduct phase ii screening i) team 1 - Esquimalt 23-24 Nov, Comox 26-27 Nov ii) team 2 - Edmonton 23-24 Nov, Cold Lake 26-27 Nov iii) team 3 - Winnipeg 23-24 Nov, Shilo 26-27 Nov iv) team 4 - Petawawa 23-24 Nov, Kingston 26-27 Nov v) team 5 - Trenton 23-24 Nov, Borden 26-27 Nov vi) team 6 - St-Jjean 23 Nov, Valcartier 24-25 Nov, Bagotville 27 Nov vii) team 7 - Gagetown 23-24 Nov, Halifax 26-27 Nov viii) Dwyer Hill Trg Centre/Ottawa - 23 Nov (8) screening will be conducted in the respective base gyms and will include an introductory unit brief(20-30 minutes), the physical fitness test, a diagnostic test to assess IQ/spacial recognition, and an interview (9) mbrs will be required during the screening interview to authorize the initiation of a criminal background check which will be administered through military police channels and the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) (10) applicants travelling to CF bases for phase ii screening will be auth TD costs on case by case basis as Coord through DHTC trg clk (11) the data gathered during the phase ii screening is reviewed by a board at DHTC. Units will be informed by msg which applicants have been selected to progress onto phase iii c) phase iii - selection process (1) Cat A - suitable applicants will be invited to attend a six day selection process (plus three days admin)to be conducted at DHTC in Ottawa as fols: i) serial 9901 : 32 candidates 07-15 feb 99 ii) serial 9902 : 32 candidates 21 feb-01 mar 99 iii) serial 9903 : 32 candidates (all off candidates will attend this serial) 07-15 mar. Successful off will remain for part 2 of the off selection which will be completed by 18 mar 99 (2) Cat B(mobility) repeat Cat B(mobility) - suitable applicants (up to 32 candidates)will be invited to attend a six day selection process (plus three days admin) to be conducted at DHTC in Ottawa during the pd 21-29 mar 99 (3) both selection processes are designed to assess if candidates are likely to succeed during the phase iv trg and assess if they possess the personal attributes reqr for their respective Cat A or B role. These selection processes are demanding and push candidates to their physical and mental limits. (4) candidates will undergo endurance runs of up to 10 km in PT kit interspersed with circuit trg stands every 200 - 500m(eg. Push-ups, sit-ups, squat thrusts, dips, fireman and deadman lifts, wind sprints, skipping). Mbrs must complete runs with their peer group within a reasonable fixed time margin (5) mbrs undergo phobia tests for water, heights and confined spaces (6) individual and group tasks assess the candidates psychological profile, interpersonal skills, problem solving skills (7) mbrs must negotiate various obstacle courses dressed in PT strip or burdened with cbt clothing, boots, helmet and other eqpt. These assess physical dexterity /agility / strength /coordination /speed and accuracy of reaction and power of recall (8) tests are conducted in high stress tactical settings to assess the mbrs ability to recall instructions, identify and react to threats, safely handle weapons and make decisions in dynamic environments while under physical and mental duress and to assess his/her ability to assimilate new skills (9) off selection is in two parts - part 1 the off will be reqr to successfully complete the six day process. Part 2 will assess the off organizational, analytical, communicative and presentation skills under continued physical and mental duress. (10) the decision to progress a candidate onto phase iv trg will be based on a review of his/her overall performance during the selection process. (11) successful candidates will be informed that they are loaded onto phase iv skills trg by msg and joining instr. (12) unsuccessful candidates will be informed by msg. (13) given the extensive resources expended during the screening and selection phases a candidate will only be allowed a max of three attempts at phase iii after which his/her application will not be considered again d) phase iv - skills trg (1) Cat A - those mbrs selected will be on restricted BTL posting to JTF 2 and will attend SOAC 9901 during the PD 12 Apr - 31 Oct 99. A HHT will be allowed in Jun 99 for students who pass certain critical performance objectives. Movement of DF and E will take place in Aug 99. (2) Cat B (mobility)- those mbrs selected for Cat B (mobility) posns will be on restricted posting to JTF 2 in May 99 and will undergo skills trg reqr for Cat B (mobility) employment. A HHT will be allowed in Jun 99 and movement of DF and E will take place in Aug 99
5. Cat A and B (mobility) mbrs can expect a fixed four year posting as an initial posting to JTF 2. Cat B(specialists) and Cat C mbrs can expect a normal 4 - 6 year posting.
6. JTF 2 will commence screening CF mbrs for Cat B(specialist) and Cat C in Nov 98 to fill MOC specific posns in Apr 99 a) volunteers for SP posn and those pers identified by CO‘s and career managers will have their files reviewed by JTF 2 to verify their suitability based on job performance, skills, qualifications and pers profiles. b) selected mbrs will be invited to DHTC for further screening which will consist of the coopers test (as a general guideline a min score of 55 points is desired), further evaluation of their trade /military skills and an interview. c) those mbrs invited to DHTC will be informed of their selection status. Successful mbrs will be informed and posting instrs will be coord through D MIL C.
7. Conclusion - the Op effectiveness of JTF 2 directly affects the interests of Canadian public safety and security and the fight against terrorism. The nature of its role demands intensive trg be continually conducted to ensure precision skills are honed to the finest extent possible. Mbrs must be operationally effective and ready to deploy at extremely short notice throughout their tour in JTF 2 - this environment results in a unique lifestyle and demands that the right people be selected for the job. JTF 2 provides an extremely challenging and rewarding career/life experience for its mbrs. The wealth of skills, knowledge and experience gained by JTF 2 mbrs serves to benefit not only the mbr but the CF as a whole.
8. With this in mind it is urged that any interest in volunteering for svc with JTF 2 be supported to the fullest extent possible.
9. Questions regarding JTF 2 screening and selection should be directed to the DHTC recruiting WO at pager (613)780-1214 . Unquote.
OPI: SO Ops
