Nunquam non parati ( meaning “never unprepared” in Latin) – Unit motto
Introduction:
The Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) is a tier 2 (meaning that they usually fulfil a supporting role for the tier 1 units) special forces unit in the Canadian military. CJIRU was created after 9/11 when the Joint Nuclear Biological and Chemical Defence Company (JNBCD Coy) was given a unit tasked with an immediate response team in the case of CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) incidents. In 2006 the unit joined CANSOFCOM (Canadian Special Operations Forces Command) and a year later changed it’s name to CJIRU.
What they do:
CJIRU is an immediate response team in the case of any CBRN incidents. On top of that, CJIRU are in charge of decontamination of any CBRN incident, they are also responsible for detecting, identifying and trying to eliminate any incidents or potential incidents from occurring before they happen. CJIRU also cooperate with the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) and PHAC (Public Health Agency of Canada) in a CBRN incident/operation. International deployments normally occur with little to zero warning and in the event of emergency incidents, other Canadian Armed Forces teams help in dealing with the incident. As a tier 2 unit, CJIRU is qualified to work with JTF2, Canada’s counter terrorism unit. Also as members of the military CJIRU must be physically and mentally fit and must be able to fight if required.
Educational Requirements:
In order to apply for the unit you must be in the military first and have at least a qualification level 3 (Attained after a course after general training). Also must be coming from a combat or supportive job and have been in the military for a minimum of two years and posses a valid drivers licence (see link for more details). Can join at just about any rank either commissioned or non commissioned. Eligibility for the Canadian armed forces requires you to be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age (17 years with parental consent) and have passed at minimum grade 10. All this may also depend on what trait you are going in for the military.
Salary:
CJIRU operators are paid just like anyone else in the military and thus are paid for their rank and role. Only difference is that there is a special allowance given to members of the unit. This number is classified.
Bibliography:
Canadian Joint Incident Response Unit (CJIRU) Selection & Training
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