Mishall RehmanAbove image: Fighting Spirit cover image, left, Gen. Eyre, previous Chief of Defence Staff, top right, and CWO Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, bottom right.
In a continued effort to revamp culture within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the military released Fighting Spirit, the second in a series of doctrines that replace the military’s previous code of conduct.
Fighting Spirit is the sequel to The Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve, released in 2022. The documents seek to replace Duty with Honour: The Profession of Arms in Canada.
“Fighting Spirit is a doctrinal guide that articulates the CAF’s renewed commitment to professionalism by describing what it means to be a military professional and how to apply these concepts to military service,” said Gen. Eyre, previous Chief of Defence Staff, and CWO Bob McCann, Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, in a joint statement released on July 17, 2024.
The document is viewed as a “significant” update on how the military views the Profession of Arms in the 21st century.
Rethinking Military Professionalism
In light of recent internal turmoil within the CAF, the military is rethinking military professionalism to take the CAF into the next century.
“This publication deepens our collective understanding of our profession and serves as a testament to a fighting spirit; the need for all military professionals to embody dedication and accountability in upholding the professional principles, values and expectations that make a highly effective and credible Profession of Arms,” read the preface to the document.
The document seeks to redefine military professionalism, the new Canadian Armed Forces ethos, fundamental imperatives, policies and programs.
Inclusiveness and professionalism are the themes of the document.
“Fighting Spirit: The Profession of Arms in Canada serves as a reminder that membership in the profession of arms is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege based around trust through commitment, competency, and character. Military service is most certainly not for everyone.
“However, for those who wish to serve in the defence of Canada and are willing to learn and grow, the CAF offers an inclusive environment to do so. Every member of the profession of arms has a responsibility to ensure that the CAF lives up to the expectations of inclusive, selfless service in the pursuit of excellence and the highest standards of professionalism,” reads the new ethos.
Reviewing the Document
Military members have been encouraged to read the document over the summer by the former CDS. It is expected the policies within the document will be thoroughly underway by the fall.
“In the fall, led by your new CDS, we will begin to collectively unpack and discuss the various new concepts as they relate to how we collectively address professionalism as a daily practice aimed at improving our military effectiveness. We owe it to all those who call Canada home to commit to showing up every day with character, competence, and commitment. This document will help guide the way,” continued the joint statement.
To visit Fight Spirit webpage click here.
