Foreword

Fighting Spirit: The Profession of Arms in Canada is the second publication in a series of doctrine that first started with The Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve (2022), both of which now replace Duty with Honour: The Profession of Arms in Canada (2009).

The first capstone doctrine for the CAF titled Duty with Honour: The Profession of Arms in Canada was published in 2003, with minor revisions in 2009. In 2022, The Canadian Armed Forces Ethos: Trusted to Serve expanded and modernized the concept of the CAF Ethos first presented in Duty with Honour. Trusted to Serve marked a turning point in the CAF’s history as the institution will now evolve to better reflect Canadian values, universal virtues, renew military culture and rebuild trust through professionalism and military effectiveness. Fighting Spirit represents yet another step forward in the renewal of our profession: the Profession of Arms.

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. In particular, the profession will emphasize concepts that bring military teams together in a positive, inclusive and productive way. The intent is to reset the conditions needed for a new personal and institutional fighting spirit that will help strengthen the CAF and its ability to defend Canada and Canadian interests.

The title was chosen with care because it targets the core role of the profession of arms: the defence of Canada. The profession of arms prepares for this through the study and practice of preventing and prosecuting armed conflict and doing so with an unyielding determination. Fighting Spirit is rooted in professionalism, grounded in the CAF Ethos, and underscores the significance of professional conduct as being equal to that of operational outcomes.