An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NORAD NEWS
News | Dec. 11, 2012

NORAD, USNORTHCOM and Canadian Joint Operations Commmand Commander Sign Cooperative U.S./Canada Documents

By NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. - Army Gen. Charles Jacoby, Jr., commander of NORAD and U.S. Northern Command, and Lt.-Gen. Stuart Beare, Canadian Joint Operations Command commander, signed two significant documents today – the Tri Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation and the Tri-Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent – during the 230th meeting of the Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defense in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Tri-Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation acknowledges the Arctic is not a region of conflict and the Canadian and U.S. militaries will support other departments and agencies in response to threats and hazards in the region when requested and directed. In that context, the goal of the Framework is to promote enhanced military cooperation in the Arctic and identify specific areas of potential Tri-Command cooperation in the preparation for and conduct of safety, security and defense operations. It strengthens an already unique and mature partnership where coordination and cooperation occurs on a regular basis. The Tri-Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation document is not a plan but rather outlines a process that supports the identification of opportunities for potential cooperation in the Arctic. Areas that continue to be improved, particularly in the Arctic, include planning, domain awareness, information-sharing, training and exercises, operations, capability development, and science and technology.

The NORAD and USNORTHCOM Commander and the CJOC Commander both have portions of the Arctic within their respective areas of operation and areas of responsibility. The Commands have complementary missions and work closely together to meet their individual and collective responsibilities as part of a whole-of-government effort in the Arctic. Given the safety and security challenges in the region, the commands often act in support of civilian authorities.

The second document, the Tri Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent, is aimed at enhancing joint and combined readiness in support of safety, security and defence missions through combined training and exercises and reinforcing partnerships and collaboration among the Commands. The Tri-Command Training and Exercise Directive will help to ensure a timely and coordinated response to safety, security and defence challenges to North America.

The signing of the Tri Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation and the Tri-Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent follows on a Tri Command Strategy that spells out a series of shared tasks designed to strengthen working relationships with all Tri-Command defense and security partners.

The agenda for this meeting of the PJBD included topics on global engagement, regional engagement in the Western Hemisphere, defense cooperation in the Arctic, NORAD and continental defense and security cooperation. The PJBD has been in existence for more than 70 years and is the highest level bilateral defence and security forum between the United States and Canada.

Established in 1958, NORAD is the United States and Canada bi-national organization charged with the missions of aerospace warning and control and maritime warning for North America. In close collaboration with homeland defense, security and law enforcement partners, NORAD prevents air attacks against North America and safeguards and monitors the sovereign airspaces and maritime approaches of the United States and Canada.

Established in Oct. 2002, USNORTHCOM provides command and control of Department of Defense homeland defense efforts and to coordinate defense support of civil authorities. USNORTHCOM partners to conduct homeland defense, civil support and security cooperation to defend and secure the United States and its interests.

Superceeding Canada Command, Canadian Expeditionary Force Command and Canadian Operational Support Command, CJOC was established on Oct. 5, 2012. CJOC is responsible for Canadian Forces routine and contingency operations in Canada, continental North America and its maritime approaches. The Command continually monitors developments across North America and its approaches and stands ready to defend the safety and security of Canadians at home, in close consultation with its defense and security partners, including NORAD and USNORTHCOM.