1

I’ve decided to write this guide to try and drive some interest in
the kit and equipment of the Canadian Special Operations Forces
(CANSOF). I saw that there were fairly few solid resources on
CANSOF. This guide should hopefully provide you with a solid
foundational knowledge of CANSOF Kits from this era. This guide will
not be a total comprehensive guide on everything CANSOF, and I will
be withholding Information that I feel could potentially endanger
Operational Security (OPSEC). Unfortunately, with how CANSOF
works they are a very private organization and photographs rarely tell
the full story, and much of the information I’ve gathered is from
conversations with members of various units, positions and roles.

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CHAPTER 1: Introduction PG 8
● Introductory Statement
CHAPTER 2: Personal Equipment PG 10
PT.1: BASE LAYERS PG 10
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Undershirts
● 3) Underwear
● 4) Socks
PT.2: UNIFORMS PG 12
● 5) Introduction
● 6) Uniforms
● 7) Civvies
● 8) Headgear
● 9) Gloves
● 10) Boots
● 11) Watches
PT.3: FIRST LINE PG 16
● 12) Introduction
● 13) Pocket Knife
● 14) IFAK
● 15) Eye Protection
PT.4: SECOND LINE PG 20
● 16) Plate Carrier
● 17) Belt
● 18) Helmet
● 19) Pouches
● 20) Helmet Accessories
● 21) Day bag
● 22) Night Vision
● 23) Radios, Antennas & Push to Talks
● 24) Miscellaneous
PT.5: THIRD LINE PG 29
● 25) Rucksack
● 26) Wet Weather Gear
● 27) Cold Weather Gear
● 28) Sleeping Gear
● 29) Miscellaneous
PT.6: CONCLUSION PG 33
● 30) Closing Thoughts

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CHAPTER 3: The Weapons PG 35
PT.1: PRIMARY RIFLE PG 35
● 1) Introduction
● 2) C8 Flat Top Heavy Barrel (FTHB)
● 3) C8 Integrated Upper Receiver (IUR)
● 4) C8 Troy
● 5) Attachments
● 6) Optics
● 7) Lights & PEQ Boxes
● 8) Magazines
PT.2: SECONDARY PISTOL PG 41
● 9) Introduction
● 10) P226R
● 11) P320F
● 12) Attachments
● 13) Magazines
PT.3: SPECIAL WEAPONS PG 43
● 14) Introduction
● 15) Sniper and Marksman Rifles
● 16) Light Machine Guns
● 17) General Purpose Machine Guns
● 18) Heavy Machine Guns
● 19) Grenade Launchers
● 20) Rocket Launchers and Recoilless Rifles
● 21) Mortars
● 22) Shotguns
CHAPTER 4: Canadian Special Operations Regiment PG 53
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification
CHAPTER 5: Joint Task Force 2 PG 59
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification
CHAPTER 6: Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit PG 63
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification
CHAPTER 7: 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron PG 69
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification

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CHAPTER 8: Special Operations Medical Technician PG 72
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification
CHAPTER 9: Special Operations Signaller PG 75
● 1) Introduction
● 2) Role
● 3) Identification
CHAPTER 10: Photographic References PG 78
● 1) Introduction
CHAPTER 1: Closing Thoughts PG 101
● 1) Conclusion

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 Viam Inveniemus ‘We Will Find a Way’ is the Motto of the
Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). I will
be covering most of this kit guide through the lens of CANSOF as an
entire Organization, as much of the equipment, training,
fundamentals and otherwise apply quite broadly to the organization
as a whole. This guide will be quite dense with explanations for each
bit of kit and why it’s used. This is to provide you with foundational
knowledge and methodology for building a realistic kit. However, I
will still be including a more traditional ‘Shopping List’ that you can
skip to if you so desire.

Members within the organization are encouraged to experiment, try

out new kits and equipment, modify their gear and get it set up
specifically for what works best for them. So while you may see some
common themes of equipment, you will very rarely see near identical
set-ups between members, even amongst those within the same
Section. Members are also permitted to purchase their own Plate
Carriers and Helmets, provided they can pass Canadian Military
Protection Standards, as well many members choose to hold onto
and keep using the kit they’re comfortable with despite that
equipment's age and design. Members also move from unit to unit
with quite some frequency, bringing their experience and set-ups
with them and sharing that with the teams they join. This makes for a
kit that is rather quite broad and loose. And is also why a kit from
2013 can still be accurate even in the present day.

I will still be covering particular units and the specialist equipment

they use, as well as the relevant Supporter positions that I have
knowledge on. Generally, however, if you build a kit out it will be
accurate to the three main units with minimal adjustments made.

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PT. 1: BASE LAYERS
INTRODUCTION
1) The base layers used will vary from person to person, as
personal comfort is tantamount to success out in the field. You
won’t be an effective member of the section if your mind is
occupied by nagging pain, sore feet, tension headaches and
heat exhaustion. This is why it is important to invest in quality
undergarments.
UNDERSHIRTS
2) The issued Sand element shirt is used as an undershirt
with some frequency, as well as the regular army’s Coyote
Brown element shirts too. Under Armour, and Heatgear shirts
are used as well. Essentially, if it is Tan, Sand, or Coyote Brown
and is comfortable for you to wear, it’s accurate. Undershirts are
not required if you don’t wish to wear one as well. If you are
going to use an undershirt, my recommendation is to pack 1 per
day in the field.
UNDERWEAR
3) The underwear you use is a personal preference, so long
as it’s comfortable to wear for hours at a time. I suggest Merino
Wool or Heatgear underwear/long johns. So long as they wick
moisture and keep you from needing to readjust every 30
seconds. I recommend packing 1 per 12 hours in the field.
SOCKS
4) For socks, you want to make sure you buy quality to
ensure you can stay moving on your feet all day, in boots,
weighed down by all your kit. Merino Wool socks are a
must-have. For this, you have many options such as Darn Tough
Tactical Boot Socks in various weights and cushions, as well as
the J.B. Field’s Solid “HIKER GX” Hiking Crew Socks. But
generally, so long as it’s a Merino Wool from a reputable
company, it’s a good choice. I recommend 1 pair per 6 hours.

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PT.2: UNIFORMS
INTRODUCTION
5) The uniforms used are very much down to the personal
preference of the member, much like the base layers, and so you
have many options here as well. Original Multicam is the pattern
of choice of CANSOF.
UNIFORMS
6) The issued and thereby the most common uniforms
used are Crye Precision ‘Army Customs’ (ACs) and Crye
Precision G3 Combat Uniforms. The AC Field Shirt and Pants
were used as garrison wear prior to the Peerless Garments
producing the Enhanced Combat Uniform in Multicam. Once you
get out of the Crye Precision space you’ll see a mixture of
uniforms used. Patagonia L9, Beyond Clothing A9, Arc’Teryx,
Etc. I’ve even seen UFPro Pants in use, as well as a custom G3
Cut with Patagonia knee pads instead of Crye because they kept
losing knee pads when jumping from planes. All these boil down
to an individual finding something about their kit that is deficient
to them and finding a solution that works for them. I’d suggest
packing 1 per day in the field.
CIVVIES
7) CANSOF also does a lot of ‘Low Profile’ work, so
building out a pair of Civilian Clothes (Civvies) that you can be
effective in is also important. Stuff such as Mountain Hardwear,
Arc’Teryx, The North Face, Patagonia, etc. in blacks, blues,
greys and browns are all used. Generally, quality hiking gear will
be used, with some 5.11 sprinkled in. Subdued and generic.
HEADGEAR
8) For headgear, Multicam Tilly Hats are used, often with
the brim cut down. Baseball caps are used, Subdued colours but
can be just about anything you want. Solid colour, Multicam
Sports teams, etc. so long as it isn’t a bright neon colour.
Arc’Teryx toques are also a common feature. Bring one of each.

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PT.2: CONT.
GLOVES
9) Gloves have some stand-out pairs that you’ll see quite a
bit such as the Hatch Operator Shorty and Outdoor Research
Firemarks, however, you will see many many different pairs in
use such as Mechanix, The Gun Glove, Patrol Incident Gear,
First Tactical, Nomex Flyers Gloves, Oakley, Under Armour, etc,
etc. and chopping gloves up is pretty common practice, cutting
off the thumb, index and middle finger, cutting them all off, even
just cutting palm of the glove out from the index finger but
leaving the outside. Just get a quality pair of gloves and do what
makes them work the best for you. I’d suggest taking a backup
pair in your ruck or day bag.
BOOTS
10) A quality pair of boots is vital to ensuring you can stay
out on the field as long as possible. The usual suspects are
LOWA, AKU, Salomon, Danner and Rocky typically in Tans and
Browns. Each boot has an advantage and disadvantage, you just
need to weigh what you value in a boot. I’d suggest taking both
a GoreTex pair and a lighter pair to give yourself options as well
as a backup in case one pair becomes soaked or breaks.
WATCHES
11) A watch is HIGHLY recommended. You see everything
from Smart Watches to Analog watches in use, the important
thing is that you have one and it’s set accurately. Pulling your
phone out on the field to check the time is unacceptable,
especially in light-controlled environments. Subdued colours
that won’t glare or shine are important.

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PT.3: FIRST LINE
INTRODUCTION
12) If you’re unaware of the ‘3 Lines of Kit’ it’s a fairly
simple system, Your 1st Line will consist of stuff that should
always be on you, even when you doff your kit. The 2nd Line will
consist of stuff that is necessary for you to be combat effective.
And the 3rd Line will consist of your long-term sustainment
equipment. So for your 1st Line, this will be stuff such as a Map,
Sidearm, Identification and a basic Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK).
Some include belt kits as First Line, and some don’t. If you
don’t, you should find a way to always carry that stuff even
when you remove all your kit. I will be covering Firearms in their
own chapter.
POCKET KNIFE
13) Pocket knives are an important part of the First Line as
a survival tool. Small, light and easy to carry. Common knives
are Benchmade, Spyderco, CRKT, Gerber and Leatherman.
IFAK
14) Your Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) should always be
accessible for you to treat yourself. It should contain a
tourniquet, antibiotics, clotting agent, compression bandages,
super glue, etc. If you want to carry around Band-Aids,
Paracetamol, and other minor ailment treatments, do not keep
them in your IFAK. Make an Altoid tin kit that you can easily
access and put away without any fuss. Sometimes, two IFAKs
will be carried, a small one to treat yourself, and a trauma kit to
be for you to be treated with if you are incapacitated.
EYE PROTECTION
15) Eye protection is very much down to the individual. The
Oakley M-Frames and Revision/Galvion Sawfly’s are generally
used, but for the most part, they tend to just wear sunglasses,
ballistic glasses, or nothing, rarely wearing goggles.

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PT.4: SECOND LINE
PLATE CARRIER
16) The most issued and most common Plate Carrier in use
by CANSOF is the Tyr Tactical PICO MVS-S. The main thing to
differentiate it from the standard MVS is the universal size of the
Plate Bag and the 2 side drag handles in addition to the top drag
handle. Also entering current issue as of 2020 is the Tyr Tactical
PICO DS. Also commonly seen are the S&S Plateframe and JPC
1 and 2.0 (SPEAR and Swimmer). Old Gen LBT 6094s in Coyote
Tan was the previously issued carrier.
BELT
17) Tyr Tactical Gunfighter Belts are common, as well as
their Brokos Belt. The CMC Rescue/CTOMS X-Belt and
M-Harness are also used. But CANSOF is also quite flexible with
belts used as well, coming down to the individual's preference.
HELMET
18) The most common helmet you will see worn presently
is the Revision (Now Galvion) CSF Helmet. There was a
production overrun of mediums and they pop up for sale
infrequently, with only one storefront carrying any meaningful
stock of the helmet. It’s based on the Viper P4 helmet with a 3
Hole Wilcox L4 Shroud and the Batlskin Standalone Rails with a
Multicam Hydro dip. The previously issued helmet was the
Rabintex Attack with a CADEX Defence Night Vision Mount. In
the intervening years between the Rabintex ATTACK and the
Revision CSF the OpsCore FAST Carbon High Cut in Multicam
was procured as the Bump helmet of choice, as well, some
members purchased their own helmets, most commonly the
OpsCore FAST XP, but also the Crye Precision Airframe as well.
Despite their age, some still prefer to use the Rabintex ATTACK.

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PT.4: CONT.
HELMET ACCESSORIES
20) Common accessories in use are Princeton Tec Switch
and Charge lights on the CSF, and Petzl Headlamps on the
ATTACK. Peltor Soundtraps, III’s, IV’s and V’s are all in use, even
today. And many opt to wear their Headsets underneath their
helmets instead of connecting via the Arc Rail Adaptors. The
OpsCore AMP Headset and Helmet Mount are also approved for
personal purchase. The Adventure Lights VIP Signal Light is
occasionally used while Manta Strobes and HEL-STAR 6 are the
most common strobes. Counter Weights, Battery Loops, etc are
all member preferences.
POUCHES
19) Pouches of all different varieties are used. Tyr Tactical
is the most common as they also produce the issued Plate
Carrier, but you will also see many Paraclete, Blue Force Gear,
Platatac, LBT, Eagle Industries, Tactical Tailor and others are
also in use
DAY BAG
21) For Day bags, they use many different types of bags
from a whole host of manufacturers. Huron Tactical, Mystery
Ranch and Arc’Teryx are the main ones you will see, with some
Tactical Tailor and LBT bags also being used. Bag size and type
are down to member preference as they are used as bags
between the Main Camp and an Observation post.
NIGHT VISION
22) The most common mount is the Wilcox L4 G02 in black,
with the Wilcox G24 showing up more frequently. The most
common NODs in use are the PVS-23, PSQ-36, ANVIS GPNVG’s
and the E-COTI Clip-On. Strangely they use a Dovetail to Avnis
powered adapter when using the G24.

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PT.4: CONT.
RADIOS, ANTENNAS & PUSH TO TALKS
23) The PRC-148 and PRC-152A are the most common
radios in use by CANSOF. The 148 is becoming more and more
uncommon as time goes on but is still seeing some, albeit light,
use. Antennas in use are Harris and Thales Whip Antennas (All
lengths), Goosenecks, Full Motion Video Mission Module, Thales
Multiband Antennas, Thales L-Band Antenna, etc. Antennas
used are determined by the mission, the role and the Area of
Operations (AO). Push To Talks (PTTs) used also vary
considerably. Invisio V60s, Invisio M30, Invisio M15, TCI Tactical
PTT, Thales Hand-Mics, Peltor Single Comm PTT, Peltor Dual
Comm PTT and older gen Atlantic Signal PTTs.
MISCELLANEOUS
24) Good bits of kit to always have on you, stuff like
notepads and pens, physical maps, a compass (such as the
Suunto MC-2) and a map protractor are always great to have
even when you have a GPS device with you. VS-17 Panels, Spare
IR Markers or IR Chemlights, Chemlights of various colours to
act as markers or guides, a small roll of subdued 100 mph tape,
reference cards for MEDEVAC, CAS, SALUTE, Local Phrases,
etc, a high-quality multitool, a flashlight and/or headlamp, spare
batteries for your essential equipment (radio, gun sight, PEQ,
flashlight/headlamp, a metre or two worth of 550 Cord, a filled
water bottle, an energy-dense food such as a Clif Bar, survival
whistle, Trauma Shears, Local Currency, Sewing Kit, and a
lighter. You could still add different items depending on your
needs, but, for airsoft most of this stuff can be disregarded.
However, as events grow in scale, complexity and length, more
and more the little things start to matter. Even if you were to
carry everything suggested here, it shouldn’t be bogging you
down with excessive weight or bulging pockets.

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PT.5: THIRD LINE
RUCKSACK
25) The Mystery Ranch Blackjack 100 and Huron 120L
Assaulters Sustainment Pack are the most common rucksacks
in use currently, there are others that you will see such as
Eberlestock, but these will be the most common as they tend to
be the best of the best. When I am referring to rucksacks I
typically mean these large-scale, 100+L packs, while everything
else I would filter amongst “Day Pack”. However, you should
format your kit to your needs and function, and if you don’t
require a ruck to carry everything you need you should use a
day pack.
WET WEATHER GEAR
26) Arc’Teryx is the go-to, with the Alpha Jacket and Alpha
Pants being the primary ones in the active issue. However, like
anything with CANSOF, you will see members purchasing and
using their own jackets, Anoraks and smocks as well. This layer
is rather important as it is the barrier that protects you from
being a sopping wet mess with 15 extra lbs of water absorbed
into your kit, and being able to function as if the weather wasn’t
there.
COLD WEATHER GEAR
27) Arc’Teryx and Outdoor Research are the two you are
likely to see in use. Depending on the mission and the members
tolerance for the cold will decide their choice of cold weather
protection as failure to properly consider the environment can
cause you to wear too little with no movement causing you to
freeze, or too much with a lot of movement causing you to sweat
and then have your sweat freeze, both being disastrous for the
mission. A variety of “Winter Whites” are worn over top to
provide concealment in the snow such as White, Kryptek Wraith,
Multicam Alpine and CADPAT Winter Operations (WO).

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PT.5: CONT.
SLEEPING GEAR
28) Sleep is vital for sustainment out in the field. You want
whatever short rest you can get to be as restful and revitalising
as possible as you can. This means high-quality sleeping bags,
liners and sleeping pads designed for the elements you will be
sleeping in, while still being light and packable enough that
you’re not bogged down with too much weight. Foam sleeping
pads, while light and extremely durable, often offer a poor
sleeping surface and poor R-Value and are best used in
conjunction with an inflatable sleeping pad. Carrying both
provides you with a few options, protecting the inflatable
sleeping pad from an unprepared surface; using the foam pad
for an established defensive position; and, providing you a
backup should your Inflatable pad fail. If you do pack an
inflatable pad, it is highly recommended that you also pack a
small air pump such as the Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Micro Pump. It
will keep moisture out of your sleeping pad and provide you the
ability to quickly inflate your sleeping pad without any fuss.
Small camping pillows are also recommended as they can
dramatically improve your quality of rest. As well, ground sheets
are essential. CANSOF uses these sleep systems:
MISCELLANEOUS
29) As for additional items that would be tucked away into
your rucksack, a tarp; eating utensils; method of boiling
water/heating food such as a JetBoil; spare uniforms; extra pair
of boots; waterproof overboots; quality of life clothing such as
fleece underlayers, short sleeve combat shirts and alternate
types of headgear; 2+ Litres of water; your rations; and, any
tools that may be required such as a hatchet, shovel or toilet
paper and mission essential equipment. By design, it is quite
difficult to find images of CANSOF Camps and Set-ups.

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PT.6: CONCLUSION
CLOSING THOUGHTS
30) I hope this section helped to illuminate and
demonstrate the sheer variance that can occur from member to
member. Sometimes you will see sections where everyone is
using the same non-issued plate carrier and then you may see
that plate carrier in use amongst a single member of a section.
This is usually a case of a section-level purchase and then as
time passes members will hold onto that kit, while they get
moved around section to section, coy to coy and unit to unit.
While there is a general theme of the Tyr Tactical MVS-S plate
carrier, Crye AC uniforms and Revision CSF helmet, it’s not the
rule. This adds a lot of flexibility to the kit, especially as these
parts are hard to come by, it can also end up detracting from the
final product and looking generic if every hard-to-acquire piece
is swapped out for an easy-to-acquire one. However, it is not my
place to decide how you wish to build your kit. I just want to
encourage you to try and build a CANSOF kit of your own,
equipped with the knowledge required to make your own
decisions to build a realistic-looking kit that suits you. It can
often be as clear as mud trying to look for information and
references about CANSOF so I hope this chapter made some of
it clear. If there was anything I didn’t cover in this section there
will be sections dedicated to each individual unit and there will
also be a section further on in this guide that will showcase even
more reference images as well as a shopping list.

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PT.1: PRIMARY RIFLE
INTRODUCTION
1) There are 3 rifles you will see in use by CANSOF. The
oldest is the C8 FTHB which came in an 11.6” barrel and 15.7”
Barrel version. While this one is all but antiquated you may still
see it used by stubborn members and in training even today.
The second oldest and one of the most distinct rifles is the C8
IUR, seen with a 15.7” barrel. And most recently appearing is a
C8 Variant with the Troy Alpha Rail, also with a 15.7” Barrel.
Through all these years the Allen Engineering Collar Adapter
Extender, Smith Enterprise Vortex G6A2-SBV with 22x1mm RH
Exterior Thread and the Smith Enterprise Vortex Thread
Protector has been the muzzle device of choice, intended to be
used with the OpsInc 15th Model Suppressor. One of these rifles
should be the baseline of your kit, and despite the age of the
rifles, it is not out of the question to have all 3 being used by
different members within a section. All the serial numbers are
formatted in a specific format of “00XX00000” Year, letter code,
and production number. The MRR has now also been spotted.
C8 FLAT TOP HEAVY BARREL (FTHB)
2) The Canadian C8 FTHB is typically derived from C8 Flat
Top, Heavy Barrel (FTHB) lower and upper receivers, given
Knights Armament Company (KAC) Rail Adapter System (RAS)
rails or the Surefire M73 and the Allen Engineering Collar
Adapter Extender, Smith Enterprise Vortex G6A2-SBV with
22x1mm RH Exterior Thread and Vortex Thread Protector. They
also use the Diemaco/Colt Canada 6 position buttstock,
ambidextrous charging handle latches, ambidextrous fire select
controls, ambidextrous magazine release and a 15.7” barrel. It
uses a Simon Sleeve and the same Smith Enterprise Vortex
G6A2-SBV. These rifles' serial numbers would contain ‘AE’ as its
letter code and would be Diemaco stamped on the lower
receivers unless the upper was placed on a new lower receiver.

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C8 INTEGRATED UPPER RECEIVER (IUR)
3) The C8 IUR was introduced as an upgrade to the C8
FTHB and quickly became a staple of CANSOF, alongside its use
with the British UKSF. Usually, the lower receiver was retained
and the upper receiver was changed which is why you will find
C8 IURs with Diemaco markings despite their introduction being
around 2014, well after Colt USA mandated that Colt Canada
replaced the Diemaco ‘D’. Therefore, you will find two different
serial numbers on the rifle. One for the lower receiver and one
for the upper receiver. The IUR comes with a 15.7” Barrel that
includes the Allen Engineering Collar Adapter Extender and
Smith Enterprises Vortex G6A2-SBV w/ thread protector.
C8 TROY
4) One of the newer rifles to land in the hands of CANSOF
is a C8 with a Troy rail. Not too much is known about the rifles
aside from their new rail system and that their introduction was
somewhere around 2020. Despite its new rail system it still
retains the 15.7” barrel and the same muzzle devices as seen on
the previous two rifles, the Allen Engineering Collar Adapter
Extender and Smith Enterprises Vortex G6A2-SBV w/ thread
protector. It isn’t clear if new lower receivers have been
procured, or if they’re a drop-in upper receiver replacement.
Likely a combination of both, like with the IUR.
ATTACHMENTS
5) The standard pistol grip is the ERGO Grip Suregrip and
is rarely swapped out, for foregrips, the Magpul RVG and AFG,
KAC Forward Pistol Grip and TangoDown Vertical Grips (long
and short) are common. Common stocks are the Diemaco/Colt
Canada “Pebble” Buttstock and VLTOR IMOD seen mainly on the
FTHB rifles but also seen on some IURs, with the Magpul CTR
Stock being the most popular now. For slings, you’ll see many
Magpul 1 and 2 Point Slings but members can choose their own.

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OPTICS
6) The most common optic is the EoTech EXPS Series, with
and without an accompanying G30/G33/G43/G45 magnifier.
Older EoTech Models are also used, but not as commonly. The
reason for why the EoTech series is so well-liked is due to its
wide viewing window allowing for greater Situational Awareness
(SA), the Holographic nature allowing for more accurate
two-eyed shooting without edge distortion affecting the MOA to
a large degree, providing excellent SA, and the Night Vision
performance making it easier to both look through the optic
without needing to be directly behind the optic. You will still see
other optics in use, however, namely the Aimpoint T2, Elcan
SpecterDR and Nightforce ATACR. However, these aren’t nearly
as common. As for backup iron sights, the Troy folding sights
and Magpul MBUS Flip-up Sights are used.
LIGHTS & PEQ BOXES
7) CANSOF has no standard light of choice and you can
find them using a whole range of lights, Surefire being the most
popular, as well as some Inforce lights. However, it is the
members responsibility to get the light certified for service or
purchase a light that is already certified for use. As for PEQ
boxes, CANSOF mainly uses the L3Harris PEQ-15 and the
Insight PEQ-6, with the L3Harris PEQ-16 IPIM (Not the MIPIM
models) being used mainly during the C8FTHB Era but may also
be seen on some IUR’s as well. There is no mandated mounting
location for lights or PEQs, but rather wherever the member
finds works best for them.
MAGAZINES
8) This is a truly small detail, but the main magazines you
will see used are black Teflon-coated aluminium mags, giving
them a dull gloss, and are stamped with “FOR EXPORT ONLY
04TQ4” on the right side of the mag. Magpul mags are also used,
but aluminium mags are preferred due to their thermal stability.

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PT.2: SECONDARY PISTOL
INTRODUCTION
9) CANSOF has 2 pistols in use, the P226R and P320F-RX. The
P226R is in the process of being replaced from service by the
P320F-RX as of 2022. Aside from the negligent discharge in 2020,
CANSOF has had quite an uncomplicated history with their service
pistols.
P226R
10) The P226R has been CANSOF’s longest-standing Pistol and
is currently in the process of being replaced by the P320F-RX in 2022,
the P226R had a quite uncontroversial service for a decade plus. It
has been seen in service with mainly iron sights, however, pistol
reflex sights have also been used.
P320F
11) Originally intended to replace the P226R in 2020, due to a
negligent discharge on the 5th of November 2020 due to an incorrect
holster, its roll-out was postponed until the investigation concluded,
and a committee reviewed its suitability for service which on the 29th
of June, 2022, the pistol was approved to for service. The P320F (full
model P320F-9-BSS-RX). The model name signifies that this is the
Full-Size P320, 9mm, has Night Sights and a cutout for the Romeo1
Reflex Sight that comes with the weapon. This should fully replace
the P226R in frontline use, if not both frontline and training use.
ATTACHMENTS
12) The typical attachments seen on the P226R are a flashlight,
usually Surefire or Streamlight, and a Hogue P226 Grip. Pistol reflex
sights have also been seen in use, but not as commonly. As for
P320F, the Romeo1 Reflex Sight and a Surefire or Streamlight weapon
light are sure to be seen.
MAGAZINES
13) The magazines used are both the standard 15rd (for both
P226R and P320F-RX) and the 20rd (for P226R) and 21rd (for
P320F-RX) all produced by Sig Sauer.

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PT.3: SPECIAL WEAPONS
INTRODUCTION
14) CANSOF has quite a few special weapons in use, mainly
carried alongside their primary rifle, but not always. SOPs will vary
from team to team depending on the mission ahead. While they utilize
many different types, it can be quite difficult to nail down exactly what
they use, if it is still used and what they may use now. This section
will only cover what is known for certain to be used within the era
covered by this kit guide, even if it may be out of date towards the
extreme range of the scale.
SNIPER AND MARKSMAN RIFLES
15) Quite possibly what Canada is most well known for in
warfare is its ability to reach out and touch the enemy at great ranges.
Holding 3 of the top 5 longest-range sniper kills including the No.1
Position at over 3.5KM by a JTF2 member, even the best could only
make those shots with incredible equipment, and from the confirmed
in-use equipment, it’s an impressive lineup. Headlining CANSOF’s
bolt-action rifles is the C15 and, since 2017, the C15A2. The C15 is a
McMillan TAC-50 while the C15A2 starts life as McMillan TAC-50 but
was given to Cadex Defence for additional machining done to the
action, a Dual Strike chassis, Falcon BiPod and a DX2 two-stage
trigger and a Schmidt and Bender 5x25 Variable Zoom Scope. The
C15A2 is likely the rifle that holds the current world record for the
longest sniper kill. Following up the C15 is the Prairie Gun Works C14
Timberwolf, both in its standard chassis and in a Cadex Defence Dual
Strike chassis and Schmidt and Bender 5x25 Variable Zoom Scope,
the C14 is a .338 Lapua Magnum rifle by Prairie Gun Works. CANSOF
also makes excellent use of Designated Marksman Rifles, utilising the
ArmaLite AR-10 for many years but was eventually replaced by the
Sig Sauer 716 around 2015.

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LIGHT MACHINE GUNS
16) How Light Machine Guns (LMG) are used will vary from team
to team, however, most typically they are “truck guns” that get pulled
out when they need to and kept with the vehicle the rest of the time,
for this reason, they aren’t typically concerned about the weight of the
weapon. Limited photographs from the current era are sparse,
however, the only confirmed LMG in use is modified C9s, typically
with a railed forend. The C9 is an FN MINIMI derivative.
GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE GUNS
17) There is some interesting history with their General Purpose
Machine Gun (GPMG) of choice, originally the FN Mk48 MOD 0 was
procured to replace the C6 from service, however poor accuracy,
performance and reliability turned the unit members off from the
weapon, many deciding the extra weight from carrying a regular C6
was worth the jump in accuracy and reliability. Combined with the fact
that it would spend most of its time hanging from a weapon mount,
the Mk48 MOD 0 was essentially abandoned.
HEAVY MACHINE GUNS
18) The Browning M2 is the Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) that you
will find attached to the vehicles used by the teams, with a CADEX
Defence Solo Sight Mount providing them multiple sight options on a
single sight mount. While mainly used on their vehicles you may also
find it used individually on a tripod.
GRENADE LAUNCHERS
19) The HK69 is a break-action, low-velocity grenade launcher
and has been the only confirmed grenade launcher in use during this
era, although an unknown HK System was procured in 2020 likely as a
replacement for the ageing HK69s. They once again went HK for the
Grenade Machine Gun (GMG) and procured the HK C16 which is a
belt-fed, fully automatic high-velocity GMG, which can also be often
seen with the Cadex Defence Solo Sight Mount, but the Vinghøg
Vingmate Fire Control System was also purchased.

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ROCKET LAUNCHERS AND RECOILLESS RIFLES
20) There are a few launchers in use, the Carl Gustav M3, M3RK
and M4 are all used, and for disposable launchers, they utilize the M72
LAW and variants, such as the M72 Anti-Structure Munition RC. Not
too much is known about these launchers, timelines of use or if
they’re all still in use, but at some point, these launchers were in their
inventory. The Spike-LR2 is also in use.
MORTARS
21) The M19 60mm Mortar is the only visually confirmed to be
used by them, it’s a compact Mortar that can take a variety of
munitions and is quick to deploy and fire. Once again, not much is
known about the timelines and whether it has been replaced or
updated, all that is known is that it has been in use at some point.
SHOTGUNS
22) Shotguns in CANSOF use are not really known aside from
their breaching shotgun of choice, the Remington M870 MCS,
typically as a CQB, with a Cadex Defence MCS Forend Pump, Cadex
Defence 870 Tactical Shotgun Buttstock Adaptor, Houge AR-15
OverMolded Rubber Grip, Sureshell Aluminum 6 Shell Carrier and
Royal Arms Stand-off Device Breacher Choke. Not truly a weapon as
its use is almost entirely utility, but still deserves mention.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) The Canadian Special Operations Regiment (CSOR) was
established in 2006 and is based out of Petawawa, Ontario. However,
they draw their history as far back as WW2 with the First Special
Service Force, a joint Canadian-US unit that was created to be a
commando unit that could insert by land, sea, and air into occupied
territories behind enemy lines. The Unit meets every 5th of December
with their American Green Beret counterparts to celebrate the history
and legacy of those they draw their history from, and remember the
fallen. To join the unit you must first have been in the Canadian
Armed Forces for a minimum of 2 Years in the Regular Force and 4 as
a Reservist, then you must pass a physical and mental screening that
ensures you have both the physical and mental fortitude to complete
selection. Then you must pass Selection which will determine if you
have the attributes they are looking for, and a pass in Selection is not
a guarantee that you will be picked up. Maturity, intelligence, and
strong mental fortitude are what they care about. You can train to be
faster, be stronger and go further, but if you cannot approach a
situation smartly and know when to admit you require assistance,
you’re as good as useless to them. Then if you’re good enough and
meet their standards, you’ll be picked up and put on a Special Forces
Operator Course. The average age of a CSOR Operator is early 30s.
CSOR’s Motto is Audeamus ‘Let us dare’.
ROLE
2.) CSOR’s role within the Canadian Special Operations Umbrella
is to provide a flexible and high-readiness unit that can be deployed
on short notice to a wide range of operations and exercises. From
teaching partner forces field and fighting skills to disruption and
support operations against the enemy. CSOR would be roughly
analogous to the US Green Berets in terms of scope and ability. CSOR
plays a vital role in the bigger picture of CANSOFCOM operations all
around the globe.

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IDENTIFICATION
3.) Generally, CSOR is a lot less camera shy than other units, by
virtue of their greater size, much more public operations, and by
design. A tell-tale way to identify CSOR from the other units is the
usage of the FSSF Arrowhead. When used in the form of ‘team
patches’ or in its original ‘USA-CANADA’ configuration you can be
sure that it is a CSOR member. It is important to note however that the
Arrowhead patch without any text and worn on the right arm is the
‘division patch’ indicating that the member is a part of the
CANSOFCOM organization. Intentionally, it can be very hard to
identify personnel in an operational theatre as CANSOF is very
particular about ‘sanitizing’ their uniform, which could mean
removing all patches aside from flag and ID patches, to being
completely devoid of all identifying marks and patches. Generally
however, unless you find evidence to the contrary, you can be almost
certain that it is CSOR being photographed, filmed, or putting on
demonstrations. For the most part, however, what is worn will depend
on the operation and level of discretion required. If Canada isn’t
publicly there, then they will run their uniforms bare, if Canada is out
in force, then they’ll run with all their patches. Outside of patches
there is not much else to identify as it is not uncommon for members
to move between units and take their weapons, equipment, and
mentality regarding kit and how to set it up and share it with their new
team and unit. As a result, it can make it hard to pick out who’s who
just from kit alone.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) Joint Task Force 2 is probably the most well-known unit both
in and outside of Canada. JTF2 was formed in 1993 after the RCMP
Special Emergency Response Team passed on the responsibility of
Counter-terrorism to the Canadian Armed Forces. They are based out
of Dwyer Hill, Ottawa, Ontario. The unit is possibly most notorious for
being responsible for its snipers, being the unit to claim the world's
longest kill at 3,540m. JTF2 is a very secretive unit, preferring to keep
its operations and missions under many layers of lock and key, rarely
publishing where they are and what they’re doing. Preferring CSOR
takes the spotlight off of them. The unit would be roughly analogous
to the US Delta Force or British SAS/SBS. The joining process for
JTF2 is the same as it was with CSOR, starting with a physical and
mental pre-screening, followed by a selection course that has been
tailored to JTF2’s needs and wants. JTF2 accepts both applicants
from the regular “Green Army” but they also accept many applicants
from other units within CANSOFCOM. The average age of many JTF2
Assaulters is the mid to late 30s. If you are successful through
pre-screening, selection, and then are picked up for your Assaulters
course and pass, you can then call yourself an ‘Assaulter’. To join
JTF2 you better be very mentally fit and mature, as with all the units,
its life and death. They don’t want to work with someone who is
emotionally unstable and will get into unnecessary trouble, or will try
and flex that they’re Special Forces at the bar. To be a Special Forces
member in Canada is a 6 figure salary, and they’re not going to hand
Assaulter and Operator positions to just anyone just because you
want it really badly and want to call yourself SOF. You need to prove
yourself as competent, smart, and able to handle whatever situation is
thrown your way with barely seconds to react. JTF2’s motto is
Commissa ut viam inveniat ‘Committed to finding a way’.

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ROLE
2.) JTF2’s role is one of secrecy and shadows, if CSOR is a
scalpel JTF2 is a needle. If they did their job right you never knew
they were there. When you have a mission that requires the utmost
attention and skill to be completed you get JTF2 to do that task. They
work alongside all elements of CANSOFCOM and they also help train
and prepare partner forces against a common enemy, but the main
bulk of what they do will likely never be discussed, and the only way
to gain an understanding of what they do and what they’re capable of
is to go and join the unit and see for yourself.
IDENTIFICATION
3.) JTF2 makes it very hard to identify them. They do not want to
be seen and they do not want to be identified. They more often than
not run with their uniforms completely sanitized of any and call
identifying marks of person and nation, often just wearing an always
changing Callsign so that they can’t be tracked back to one team and
individual, or operating in civilian clothing. This makes identifying
JTF2 quite difficult as you can never be certain unless the member
themselves confirms it to you, or if they are pictured and published,
the nation and unit they belong to can’t be confirmed or identified,
leading to potentially tens or hundreds of photos and videos of JTF2
never being attributed to the unit, entirely by design.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit was initially
formed in the wake of 9/11 as the Joint Nuclear, Biological and
Chemical Defence Company. In 2006 JNBCD Coy joined CANSOFCOM
and in 2007 was renamed to the Canadian Joint Incident Response
Unit or ‘CJIRU’. CJIRU is based out of Trenton, Ontario. CJIRU’s skills
and knowledge are a vital component of CANSOFCOM’s ability to
respond globally to any emerging threat and they work closely with
many special forces units including NATO allies. The unit is broken
down into 3 elements, one element is dedicated to the use of bomb
disposal robots, another is dedicated to lab work and the third is
dedicated to fieldwork, working alongside CSOR, JTF2, and many
others in order to investigate, reduce, or outright destroy any
potential Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN)
threats. Many members of this unit will acquire degrees pertaining to
CBRN threats and defence. They also work closely with the RCMP to
deal with any credible CBRN threats found at home. The pipeline to
join CJIRU is the same as CSOR and JTF2, once again with their own
tailored selection course. Members of CJIRU are known as CBRN
Operators. CJIRU’s motto is Nunquam Nonparati ‘Never unprepared’
ROLE
2.) CJIRU’s role is CBRN. They are highly trained and skilled in
this regard with Explosive Ordnance Disposal and High-level courses
on CBRN with some even going on to earn Ph.D.'s in the subjects
pertaining to it. It is an intensive and stressful job, nerve agents can
kill with just a single drop on exposed skin. It’s a deathly serious
career and every measure is taken to ensure that they perform their
roles expertly every time and to ensure that they will even train with
live agents. It is also up to CJIRU to ensure that the rest of
CANSOFCOM as well as allies and partner forces are up to the
standards required to protect themselves in a live CBRN environment.
You must be able to perform the duties of a special forces operator
and maintain your composure even under fire, in full CBRN dress.

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IDENTIFICATION
3.) Identifying CJIRU is much easier than differentiating between
CSOR and JTF2, CJIRU will typically always be accompanied by an IR
CBRN patch and an IR white triangle on a black square to signify
them as the subject matter experts on CBRN. Another easy way to tell
is simply by the CBRN protective equipment they use. While other
CANSOF units do use gas masks and protective suits, it’s rather
uncommon to see. Recently, a new protective suit was acquired for
CJIRU known as the ‘Chemical Protective Combat Uniform’ or CPCU.
The suit is a next-to-skin, 3-layer, 3-piece (trousers, jacket, hood) suit
that looks reminiscent in style of the Crye Precision AC uniforms.
They also use 4 types of gas masks, the C4 Gas Mask (uncommon),
the MSA Millennium (now uncommon), the Scott First Responder
Respirator, the AVON FM53, as well as the new Airboss Defence C5
Gas Mask. Generally, if you see anything pertaining to CBRN, you can
be sure that it is very likely CJIRU.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron (427 SOAS or 427)
is a Tactical Helicopter Squadron based out of Petawawa, Ontario. Its
current iteration as Tactical Helicopter Squadron came as far back as
1971, however, they draw its history all the way back to 1944 as a
bomber squadron before being stood down in 1946. Then the
Squadron was brought back a 2nd time in 1952 as a fighter squadron
before being disbanded shortly following the Canadian Forces
Unification, but a year later it was reformed as 427 Tactical Helicopter
Squadron until 2006 when it joined CANSOFCOM and was given its
current name of 427 Special Operations Aviation Squadron. They
operate the CH-146 Griffon and have them painted in a striking deep
blue. The 427 selection process is a lot less clear than it is for all
other units as 427 only accepts qualified and trained Pilots and
Aircrew versus CSOR, JTF2, and CJIRU who are bringing in people
brand new to the trade and life. The unit motto is Ferte manus certas
‘Strike with a sure hand’
ROLE
2.) 427’s role in CANSOFCOM is to provide high readiness, elite
helicopter aviation capabilities with the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. 427
had also in the past operated the Mi-17 given the designation of the
CH-178 as a stopgap during the procurement of the CH-147 Chinook
from 2010 to 2011. 427 only operates the CH-146 Griffon, but if they
require the use of a CH-147 Chinook helicopter 450 Tac Hel will
provide them with a helicopter and a crew for their use.
IDENTIFICATION
3.) 427 is quite easy to spot as they are the only Special Aviation
Squadron in Canada, and its helicopters all fly in a unique deep blue
colour scheme, and the aircrew can be spotted wearing Tyr Tactical
EPIC Carriers or Eagle Industries CIACS carriers and sporting the
Gentex HGU-56/P helmet.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) Special Operations Medical Technicians (MEDTEC’s) are
CANSOF Supporters who provide CANSOFCOM with combat medical
capabilities beyond that of Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC).
Special Operations MEDTEC’s are embedded with every unit of
CANSOFCOM. While they are not fully-fledged operators and
assaulters they are still expected to be able to keep up and perform
physically and they must be able to do what they can to maintain as
much operational ability as possible, while also ensuring that their
medical abilities remain at an extremely high level of ability, even
under extreme stress in difficult locations. Special Operations
MEDTEC’s can be posted to any unit.
ROLE
2.) Special Operations MEDTEC’s are a vital piece to
CANSOFCOM’s capabilities. While TCCC can help save lives in the
worst-case scenarios, Special Operations MEDTEC’s provide an
ability for long-term casualty care and life-saving treatments in the
field, to ensure that the Operator or Assaulters life is protected, even
when far from all other support elements. Special Operations
MEDTEC’s are capable of inserting IVs, providing blood and plasma
transfusions and trauma care. Special Operations MEDTEC’s are
trained to Critical Care Paramedic standards.
IDENTIFICATION
3.) Special Operations MEDTEC’s will look the same as any other
Operator and Assaulter, but they will typically be seen sporting a
patch that signifies them as a medic and carrying a medical pack.
Typically you will see CTOMS and Mystery Ranch packs in use,
however, packs of all types will be used.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) Special Operations Signallers (Sigs) like the Special
Operations MEDTEC’s are supporters that are embedded alongside
Operators and Assaulters and are expected to be able to perform their
duties in combat while keeping pace with the rest of the team. This
makes for a very demanding job but is an essential task as effective
radio communication is an essential link in the mission chain. Special
Operations Sigs are very adept at using their equipment and are
extremely adaptable and knowledgeable about it. Special Operations
Sigs can be posted to any unit.
ROLE
2.) Special Operations Sigs provide CANSOFCOM with radio and
satellite communication, utilizing the most modern communications
equipment and always improving their abilities, as Special Operations
Sigs they must be incredibly flexible, well-spoken, clear, and concise
when using the radio to provide as much information as possible with
no confusion, even in the most stressful of situations. They should be
able to fashion impromptu antennas and know every possible failure
of their equipment and how to troubleshoot it. Effective
communication is essential on a modern battlefield. Their
responsibility is not just on ensuring their radios function but that the
entire sections do as well.
IDENTIFICATION
3.) Special Operations Sigs use many different types of
communications equipment such as Manpacks, Satcom, Slingshot,
and individual radios. With them being embedded within the units
they’re posted to there isn’t too much to distinguish them aside from
the specialist equipment they carry, as they use all the same
equipment as the rest of their section.

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INTRODUCTION
1.) In this chapter we will showcase multiple references,
focusing on individual pieces of kit, as well as kit pictures. Hopefully,
this also helps you with kit inspiration and helps you to draw a desire
to start building a kit of your own.

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CONCLUSION
1) I hope this kit guide has helped you cement a desire to build a
CANSOF kit. As I hope was demonstrated throughout this guide,
CANSOF is quite free with kit. Not restricting their members to
specific brands or pouch types. Some common brands you will see
through all of them are typically Tyr Tactical for armour and belts,
Crye Precision for combat uniforms, Arc’Teryx for weather gear,
Huron for rucks and bags, etc, etc. However, just because those are
common shouldn’t restrict you too greatly, as there have been
members who have used the Crye Precision Airframe and AVS, UCP
Pouches, Custom stuff from Perroz, and much much more. To build
as accurate a kit as possible, my definite suggestion would be to start
with a common base and build it to suit your exact needs and build it
to be scalable. This kit is definitely daunting, and it won’t be cheap
either unless the reproduction market decides there’s profit to be
made, and kit used by CANSOF to be sufficiently photographed with
enough references that they can be easily and effectively reproduced.

Thank you for reading.

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