Bernd Horn – författare

This collection of essays explores how fighting in the rugged, hostile lands of Afghanistan is no easy task. Afghanistan has long been considered the graveyard of empires. Throughout their history, Afghans have endured the ravages of foreign invaders, from marauding hordes and imperial armies to global superpowers, while demonstrating a fierce independence and strong resistance to outside occupiers. Those who have ventured into Afghanistan with notions of controlling its people have soon discovered that fighting in that rugged, hostile land is no easy task. Afghans have proven to be tenacious and unrelenting foes.No Easy Task examines this legacy of conflict, particularly from a Canadian perspective. What emerges is the difficulty faced by foreign forces attempting to impose their will over Afghans who, for their part, have consistently adapted tactics and strategies to stymie and defeat those they perceive as invaders and interlopers. It is within this complexity and challenge that the difficult counter-insurgency must be fought.

The story of a little-known Canadian victory in the Second Boer War. In the fall of 1899, Britain entered the Second Anglo-Boer War in South Africa confident that its army would make short work of a collection of armed farmers. However, initial confrontations quickly changed attitudes. Following a series of humiliating defeats, Britain quickly sought additional troops. Canada answered the call, and its first contingent consisted of the 2nd (Special Service) Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR).Fighting their first battle at Paardeburg Drift from February 18 to 27, 1900, The RCR did Canada proud, serving with distinction and demonstrating endurance and tenacity that rivalled the famous British regulars. This victory came at a cost, though. The RCR suffered 39 killed and 123 wounded, but its accomplishments were impressive. Canadians delivered the first major British triumph, which became the turning point of the conflict. The victory also awakened patriotism and national identity at home and earned Canada recognition as a sovereign power.

An Allied unit comprised of Canadian and American troops, the First Special Service Force or "Devil’s Brigade" struck fear into the very heart of the Axis. In the dark, early days of the Second World War, the Allies found themselves with their backs against the wall. With their armies, tactics, doctrine, and equipment in tatters, the Allies turned to special operations forces to carry the fight to the Axis enemy until their conventional forces could be built up once again. Specially selected and trained, these forces struck fear into the hearts of the enemy. One such unit, the First Special Service Force (FSSF) or Devil’s Brigade, was created for a hazardous mission in Norway. This unique formation was composed of both Americans and Canadians who served side by side without distinction of nationality. A killer elite, the FSSF consistently demonstrated courage and determination and earned itself an unrivaled combat record at Monte la Difensa and Anzio in Italy and in the invasion of southern France.

Undeniably, the 1990s were a period of crisis for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). Drastic budget reductions and a series of endless scandals all collided to form the perfect storm. The outcome of this was nothing short of the implosion of the Canadian Armed Forces Officer Corps.Stripped by the government of the right to regulate itself, the Officer Corps, which represented the nation’s stewards of the profession of arms, was forced to reform itself. Key to this transformation was education. However, the road was not easy, as cultural change rarely is.Forced to Change tells the story of how the Canadian Armed Forces found itself at its lowest point in history and how it managed to reform itself. The question is whether it was a fundamental transformation or just a temporary adjustment to weather the storm.

An examination of the SOE, its accomplishments, and the Canadian connection to the organization.During the Second World War, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill created the Special Operations Executive (SOE) to conduct acts of sabotage and subversion, and raise secret armies of partisans in German-occupied Europe. With the directive to “set Europe ablaze,” the SOE undertook a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Nazi Gestapo. An agent’s failure could result in indescribable torture, dispatch to a concentration camp, and, often, a death sentence.While the SOE’s contribution to the Allied war effort is still debated, and many of its files remain classified, it was a unique wartime creation that reflected innovation, adventure, and a fanatical devotion on the part of its personnel to the Allied cause.The SOE has an important Canadian connection: Canadians were among its operatives and agents behind enemy lines. Camp X, in Whitby, Ontario, was a special training school that trained agents for overseas duty, and an infamous Canadian codenamed “Intrepid” ran SOE operations in the Americas.

An unprecedented introduction to the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command.On February 1, 2016, the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) celebrated its tenth anniversary. This benchmark passed largely unheralded. After all, few Canadians actually realize their nation possesses special operations forces, and fewer yet know Canada’s long and distinguished history with these forces and the exceptional warriors who filltheir ranks. CANSOFCOM carries on this tradition and in its short history has earned a reputation for courage, professionalism, and operational excellence. This book is a rare glimpse into the shadows, providing detailed information on CANSOFCOM and its units, as well as a pictorial history of the Command’s evolution.Le 1er février 2016, le Commandement des Forces d’opérations spéciales du Canada (COMFOSCAN) a célébré son dixième anniversaire. Ce jalon est passé largement inaperçu. Après tout, peu de Canadiens savent que leur pays possède des forces d’opérations spéciales et encore moins de personnes savent que le Canada a une longue tradition prestigieuse avec ces forces et les guerriers exceptionnels qui les composent. Le COMFOSCAN poursuit cette tradition et, depuis sa création, ses membres ont été reconnus pour leur courage, leur professionnalisme et leur excellence opérationnelle. Ce livre offre un rare aperçu de ces guerriers de l’ombre. Il offre des informations détaillées sur le COMFOSCAN et ses unités, en plus de présenter l’histoire illustrée de l’évolution du commandement.

The incredible details of the bold, near-disastrous first Allied airborne commando raid. Audacious to the extreme, Operation Colossus was a raid in the early, dark days of the Second World War, when Britain stood seemingly alone. After the country's defeats in western Europe in 1940, Prime Minister Winston Churchill insisted on an aggressive raiding campaign. Conducted on February 10, 1941, Operation Colossus was one such raid, meant to steal back the initiative and create as much chaos for the Axis powers as possible.However, bad luck stalked the mission, as one mishap after another seemed to foredoom the operation. In the aftermath, there were recriminations as well as accolades. Few military operations have proven as controversial.

They were the men who led our nation in war and peace. In world wars, they were the steady hands guiding our forces to victory; in peacekeeping, they helped to establish and preserve order. Over the years they have helped the Canadian Forces to become one of the proudest militaries in the world.Warrior Chiefs: Perspectives on Senior Canadian Military Leaders is the first book of a two-part series that examines the unique Canadian experience and outlook in regard to Generalship and the Art of the Admiral. This first volume is a compendium of biographies of the nation’s most notable military leaders from Confederation to the post-Cold War era. Personalities include: Sir William Otter, Sir Sam Hughes, E.L.M. Burns, G.G. Simonds, Charles Foulkes, Andy McNaughton, J.V. Allard, and J. Dextraze, to name only a few.

Ce sont les hommes qui ont dirigé notre nation en temps de guerre et en temps de paix. Au cours des deux grandes guerres, ces hommes ont fait preuve d’une force à toute épreuve, qui a guidé nos troupes vers la victoire. Dans le cadre d’opérations de maintien de la paix, ils ont contribué à établir et à maintenir l’ordre. Au cours des ans, ils ont permis aux Forces canadiennes de devenir l’une des forces militaires les plus respectées au monde.Chefs guerriers, Perspectives concernant les militaires canadiens de haut niveau est le premier d’une série de deux livres qui examine l’expérience et les perspectives uniquement canadiennes en ce qui concerne le travail des généraux et l’art d’ être amiral. Le premier volume est un recueil des biographies portant sur les plus éminents militaires canadiens de la Confédération jusqu’à aujourdhui.

Special Operations Forces (SOF) have never been an integral element of Canada’s military capability. Although units have existed periodically throughout the country’s history, they have always been in the shadows. However, the terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, 2001, changed that. In the aftermath of 9/11, SOF became the force of choice. Casting Light on the Shadows consists of a series of essays on SOF-related issues written by individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise in the field. As well as providing a solid foundation for SOF theory, historical background, and evolution, the book also highlights ongoing developments in SOF.

Les Canadiens francais ont une longue et fière tradition de service envers leur pays. Cette tradition est plus que manifeste au sein de la profession de armes. Déjà du temps des premières colonies, les Canadiens francais ont marqué leur nouveau pays en le défendant. Ils ont joué un rôle critique comme combattants contre des autochtones hostiles et les autres puissances européennes colonisatrices. A la suite de la Conquête, ils ont continué, quoique sous une allégeance différente, à défendre le Canada. Ainsi, ce livre met en lumière le dévouement et les contributions d’un certain nombre de leaders canadiens francais envers leur pays en temps de paix, de crise et de guerre, de l’époque de la Nouvelle-France a la fin du vingtième siècle.

Les Forces d’opérations spéciales (SOF) n’ont jamais fait partie intégrante des capacités militaires du Canada. Des unités spéciales ont certes existé à certaines périodes de notre histoire, mais elles ont toujours oeuvré dans l’ombre, à la limite de la reconnaissance. Elles ont presque toujours ete marginalisées. Cependant, la tragique attaque lancée par des terroristes sur les tours jumelles du World Trade Center à New York, le 11 septembre 2001, a considérablement modifié leur image. Les SOF sont devenues depuis des forces de premier plan. Les éssais qui forment cet ouvrage concernant les SOF ont été redigés par des experts en la matière. Pris collectivement, ils constituent un recueil exhaustif d’informations et de connaissances sur les SOF canadiennes et sur des questions et sujets qui s’y rapportent. En somme, l’ouvrage permet au lecteur d’acquérir une solide base sur la théorie, le contexte historique et l’évolution des SOF, y compris les événements qui favorisent leur expansion.

Command and leadership are very personal endeavours. The manner in which an individual commands others and exercises leadership speaks more to the character and personality of the individual in question than it does to the concept of command or leadership in and of themselves.Intrepid Warriors takes an intimate look at a number of Canada’s finest military commanders and leaders during the crucible of war. Collectively, the chapters in this volume offer invaluable insights into different command and leadership approaches, behaviours, and styles. They also reinforce the timeless truth that the character and presence of courageous leaders are critical to military outcomes, particularly during times of ambiguity, uncertainty, and chaos.

Le commandement et le leadership sont des caractéristiques très personnelles. La façon dont un militaire commande et fait preuve de leadership révèle son caractère et sa personnalité plutot que de jeter la lumière sur les concepts de commandement et de leadership. Le volume des Guerriers intrépides : Perspectives sur les chefs militaires canadiens étudie attentivement certains des meilleurs commandants et leaders militaires du Canada pendant la guerre. Dans leur ensemble, les chapitres du volume permettent de mieux comprendre divers comportements, approches et styles relatifs au commandement et au leadership. De plus, ils appuient la vérite intemporelle selon laquelle le caractère et la présence de leaders courageux sont essentiels pour obtenir des résultats sur le plan militaire, particulièrement en période d’incertitude et de désordre.

Exprimé en toute simplicité, le leadership consiste à influencer les gens afin d’atteindre un quelconque objectif qui a de l’importance pour le chef, le groupe et l’organisation. C’est l’élément humain qui permet aux chefs de diriger, de motiver et d’inspirer les troupes, surtout en temps de crise, lorsque la situatioin est chaotique et complexe et que les directives, les déclarations officielles et les communiqués ne produisent guère d’effet sur les subalternes gelés, épuisés et tendus. Un bon leadership incite les subordonnés à aller au-delà du devoir d’obéissance et à se dévouer pour la réussite de la mission, d’une manière qui contribue à maximiser leur plein potentiel. Le Précis de leadership militaire est un manuel concret et compréhensif qui identifie, décrit, et explique tous les concepts, thèmes et idées qui s’appliquent directement ou indirectement au leadership militaire. Ce livre est un sommaire compréhensif qui a comme point de mire plusieurs sujets dont la cohésion, le commandement, l’intelligence culturelle, la discipline, la peur et la confiance. Ce précis offre une assistance à qui veut mieux comprendre la théorie et l’application du leadership militaire.

Show No Fear is a collection of essays that captures the richness of Canadian military history. Although Canadians see their nation as a peaceable kingdom and themselves as an unmilitary people, the truth is that Canada has a proud military heritage. Moreover, the nations citizens and their descendants share a legacy of courage, tenacity, and warfighting prowess. This volume of daring actions showcases the country’s rich and distinct national military experience while capturing the indomitable spirit of the Canadian soldier.Actions studied include military bravery in the Seven Years War, the British attacks on Fort Mackinac and Fort Detroit in the War of 1812, the Lake Erie expeditions during the American Civil War, courage displayed at Paardeberg in the Boer War, trench raiding in the First World War, bold valour in the ill-fated Dieppe Raid in the Second World War, toe-to-toe fighting with the Chinese in the Korean War, and present-day heroics in Afghanistan.

Regimental histories are a virtual window to a nation. They provide insight into a country’s culture, values, and martial spirit. But more specifically they tell the story of the men and women who fight their nation’s wars.Created as an infantry school corps to train the Militia, the Royal Canadian Regiment quickly grew to serve the national interest at home and abroad. From its first operational mission in Canada’s rugged Northwest to assist in quelling the Riel Rebellion to the harsh veldt of South Africa to help defeat the Boers, Canada’s oldest permanent force infantry regiment produced a legacy of courage and professionalism. This proud history was continued in the furnace of both world wars in Europe and shortly thereafter in Korea.It becomes evident that in its first 70 turbulent years of existence, the Royal Canadian Regiment established a heritage of honour and service to Canada, paid for in the blood, bravery, and tenacity of its members.

Canadian regimental histories are war stories that provide testimony to the feats of courage and tenacity of Canadians tested in combat or engaged in the sometimes tedious regimen of peace. These regimental histories speak to the collective military heritage and legacy of the country. They are, in fact, windows on our nation and ourselves. This volume, the companion to Establishing a Legacy, the first volume, provides a detailed account of The Royal Canadian Regiments story from 1953 to 2008.The RCRs history after the Korean War paralleled the growth and evolution of Canada through dangerous and trying times, from the brink of nuclear Armageddon to a freefall of global destabilization, economic catastrophe, resurging global terrorism, and the birth of transnational terror networks. The RCR contributed to the victory in the Cold War, participated in the bitter stabilization campaigns of the 1990s in the former Yugoslavia, and fought and bled heavily in the reconstruction and counter-insurgency battle in Afghanistan.