Organization of the Canadian Rangers

Click on map to view larger image.  

Canadian Rangers National Authority

In April 2007, the responsibilities of the coordination cell of the Canadian Rangers were transferred from Vice-Chief of Defence (VCDS) to the Commander of Land Force Command (LFC).  Under the guidance of the Chief of Staff Land Reserve (COS Land Res) the role of the National Authority is to provide overall direction and clarity to the Commanding Officers of Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups and all Canadian Rangers regarding Force Generation.  This includes being responsible for establishing national policy, validating equipment and training needs, reviewing and distributing funding allocations, coordinating dress changes and developing personnel administration in order to generate the Force Employment capabilities required by Canada Command in accordance with the CDS authorized Role, Mission and Tasks.  This command is exercised through the applicable Land Force Area (LFA) Commanders and the Joint Task Force North (JTFN).

As an integral component of the Army, the focus of the National Authority is to assist with, and strive to improve the operational capability of the Canadian Ranger Patrols in remote and sparsely inhabited parts of Canada, enabling Canadian Rangers to offer their existing local knowledge and expertise in all applicable military operations in their area of responsibility.

There are Canadian Rangers in every province and territory of Canada except for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Located mostly on the coast and in the north, there are a total of 163 Ranger patrols in Canada.

The 4,200 Rangers are divided into five geographical areas called Canadian Ranger Patrol Groups or CRPGs. Each Canadian Ranger Patrol Group has a headquarters and a staff that is responsible for overseeing the Rangers and Junior Canadian Rangers in their area.

Joint Task Force North (JTFN) is home to 1 CRPG and encompasses Nunavut, Yukon Territory and Northwest Territories.

Land Forces Quebec Area (LFQA) is home to 2 CRPG and covers the entire province of Quebec.

Land Forces Central Area (LFCA) is home to 3 CRPG and is responsible for Ontario.

Land Forces Western Area (LFWA) is home to 4 CRPG and covers British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Land Forces Atlantic Area (LFAA) is home to 5 CRPG and encompasses Newfoundland and Labrador.