Events

Brigadier-General Shane Brennan Takes Command of Joint Task Force Iraq

Brigadier-General Shane Brennan has assumed command of Joint Task Force Iraq (JTF-I) from Brigadier-General James Irvine. Brennan will now be responsible for commanding Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel deployed on Operation IMPACT, Canada’s military contribution to the Coalition against the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Brennan took over his new role in a ceremony at Camp Canada on June 3 presided by Lieutenant-General Stephen Bowes, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command.

“As Chief of Staff at Canadian Joint Operations Command, Brigadier-General Brennan has played a critical role in the conduct of Canadian Armed Forces’ operations. He is well prepared to lead the men and women of Joint Task Force-Iraq. I thank Brigadier-General Irvine for his efforts in transitioning the mission and for his dedication to the success of Operation IMPACT,” stated Bowes.

Brennan, an Infantry Officer, has served in various command and staff appointments at a battalion, regiment and brigade level at Canadian Army, Canadian Special Operations Forces Command, and joint staff headquarters, throughout his career. He recently served as Chief of Staff Operations at Canadian Joint Operations Command.

In 2006, he was deployed as Task Force Commander of Operation LION in Beirut, Lebanon where he managed the evacuation of more than 15,000 Canadians, the largest non-combat evacuation in Canadian history. He also served as Commander of Task Force 3-09, the Operational Mentor and Liaison Team in Afghanistan in 2009.

“I am honoured to assume command of Joint Task Force-Iraq. The Task Force, under Brigadier-General Irvine’s leadership, made important contributions to the Coalition while implementing substantial capabilities as part of the enhanced mission. I look forward to continuing the Canadian Armed Forces’ tradition of excellence in operations which Joint Task Force-Iraq has so successfully maintained,’ stated Brennan.

CAF members continue to play an important role in the fight against ISIS by supporting Iraqi security forces, conducting air operations and providing strategic military support to the Government of Iraq. The CAF recently added three CH-146 Griffon helicopters, an all-source intelligence centre, and additional trainers to Operation IMPACT. The operation will eventually see approximately 830 CAF members deployed.

In addition, CAF personnel are working with the Government of Iraq to enhance Coalition efforts to clear ISIL from Iraq. Brigadier-General David Anderson, Director of the Global Coalition’s Ministerial Liaison Team, and other Canadian Armed Forces members who are part of the multinational team recently arrived in Iraq to lay the foundation for which the team will provide strategic military support to Iraq’s Ministries of Defence and Interior.

“I am inspired by the efforts of the men and women of Joint Task Force-Iraq in transitioning our contribution to the Coalition while maintaining focus on operations. I was privileged to lead these dedicated and determined Canadians,” said Brigadier-General James Irvine, Outgoing Commander, Joint Task Force-Iraq.

Featured image: Brigadier-General Shane Brennan, incoming Commander of Joint Task Force-Iraq, passes by the honour guard on arriving at the Joint Task Force-Iraq change of command ceremony held near Camp Canada on June 3, 2016.

Photo: Op Impact, DND
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Mishall Rehman

Originally from Atlanta, GA, Mishall is a freelance journalist pursuing her passion for writing in her new homeland Canada. She currently lives in Trenton, ON with her husband.

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