Info on JTF-2 [Archive] - SOCNET: The Special Operations Community Network

garett

24 November 2000, 13:23

Yeah it is that hard to come by. Theres alittle bit in the book Tested Mettle. The Canadian Army has always been different then, for example, the American Army. Unlike many ex-military types from around the world, Canadians generally don't write books about everything they've done in the military. I don't really think you're going to see any biographies of ex-JTF soldiers on the market any time soon. From the impression I got from the one ex-JTF soldier I've ever run into (my QL3 pl. WO), they'd rather relax and drink beer then write books. Don't hold your breath waiting for a "Tell All"

TonyM

24 November 2000, 16:43

Plus the confidentiality contract you sign just for getting on Selection.

jasonh1234

24 November 2000, 21:32

Hmm well I'm hoping to create a replica figure of a JTF-2 and am intrested in any pictures of JTF-2 Personnel and their equipment. Is much known about what they wear and carry?

VENOM

25 November 2000, 12:25

The best way to get the info is to go right to the source. Next week, I'll be at a briefing from JTF-2 members on their job in St-Jean. It should be a very interesting briefing with a lot of good general info on the requirements of the job with the possibility of asking questions. It's gonna be good to hear from the real operators for a change. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

Take care!

VENOM

25 November 2000, 12:25

Ohhh and by the way don't email me to ask me to ask them some stupids questions (in my opinion)on what they wear and carry.

Take care!

------------------
VENOM

[This message has been edited by VENOM (edited 11-25-2000).]

jasonh1234

26 November 2000, 03:26

ouch.

FNG

26 November 2000, 20:36

I've got a CF recruiting pamphlet which has a JTF member (I presume, he's all decked out in black kit with MP5s) on the front cover. If you are interested, I'll scan it and email it to you.

garett

26 November 2000, 23:11

I saw that one a couple of years ago. Just loved the big nut protector. I wouldn't want to take a bullet in nuts either.

King

26 November 2000, 23:57

FNG,

I wouldn't mind seeing that pic.

aking@mb.sympatico.ca

The impression I get from Scott Taylor is that he doesn't like the JTF2. He's constantly trying to get someone in the media to "look into" what really "goes on" with the unit. He is quoted in his book tested Mettle as saying that the unit's presence is looked down upon when ever the JTF2 is along on a peacekeeping mission with regular units by those regular soldiers. I don't know if he's envious or if public disclosure of any little secret DND may have fits into his ideology.

I have obviously not met any members of the unit so I cannot comment on their skill level or training standards, nor can I totally understand what Taylor wants for the military.

I suppose that because they are so secret and are labelled as a CT/SF unit we all assume they are good at what they do.

I think we get more books out of America because of sheer numbers. Their military and ex-military community is so big. Their SOF community is larger then our armed forces as a whole (although some might say America has a greater military culture).

Enfield

27 November 2000, 04:29

I've seen the same pamplet - it's a good photo, you get a great view of their high-speed kit.
On JTF-2:
Just like most members of the Army and Army Reserves, I've heard stories and know troops that have worked with JTF, but second-hand (by the time it gets on here, third-hand) info and rumours aren't that useful.
I had the oppurtunity to spend a day with the Ottawa Carlton Police Tactical Team, and talked to them about JTF-2. They often train with them, and here's what they said: JTF's equipment is lightyears beyond what the Tactical Team has, and their facilities are great, with all the whiz-bang facilities.

FNG: why are you going to this lecture? Planning to try out?

Terry Jones

27 November 2000, 11:26

If it wouldn't be too much to ask, could you shoot a copy my way too at TJONESUSA@hotmail.com ?

FNG

27 November 2000, 14:21

Email on the way to you both. As to Jasonh, if you would like to have the pics too, I'll need an email address from you.

Enfield - That's not me going to the JTF briefing. But someday I'll probably be attending one.

Terry Jones

27 November 2000, 15:53

Thanks

Terry Jones

27 November 2000, 15:56

oops, double tap

[This message has been edited by Terry Jones (edited 11-27-2000).]

jasonh1234

27 November 2000, 17:35

Yeah send it my way.
jason_holtslander@telus.net

garett

27 November 2000, 17:41

Someone who looks like me but isn't me "took" a JTF 2 recruiting poster off the wall of a building in CFB Gagetown when they were "working" there this summer. Somehow this poster ended up in my room.

enderr

27 November 2000, 18:17

yeah i've seen that poster...buddy in the t-shirt and balclava clinging to the sky-scraper with suction cups is kinda cheesy

garett

27 November 2000, 18:26

Dare To Be Challenged

Call 1-800-***-****
I think its kinda interesting how theres like nothing written on the poster except for that. Like who is in the pictures is a big secret. I like how we cover our ass.

King

28 November 2000, 02:09

Enfield,

In what kinds of situations would a JTF2 soldiers be working along side reg. infantry soldiers let alone reserves?

You mentioned that the JTF2 has lots of high speed kit. Should this unit be outfitted with the best stuf there is while the rest of the military gets the short end of th stick? This was another one of Scott Taylor's major complaints about the unit.

But my first comment brings me back to the unit's makeup. I wonder how many reservists have ever successfully completed the selection for the JTF2? But more interestingly, how many women have done it, or even tried out?

Enfield

28 November 2000, 02:24

The guys that jut got back tour said that during workups they did FIBUA training with JTF2, using C8's and MP5's. The training was different from our FIBUA though, they were practicing for low-intensity warfare.

In terms of their kit, I think they need what they have (not that i know what they have) to carry out their mission and be credible. I think it's a matter of the rest of the military not having enough as opposed to JTF having too much.
In regards to the secrecy associated with the unit, I think that's jut so they can get on with tough, realistic training (like we all should be, but aren't) outside of political and media spotlight. I'll bet they don't have Standards Officers commenting on their training, or restrictions on push-ups.

Reservists? I don't know. I know a few guys that have tried (even met a Navy Reserves guy that tried out)but none that have made it. I would imagine some have made it though.
Women? I highly doubt it. They don't have to meet affirmative action/PC/"New Army" bullshit requirements, nobody's looking over their shoulder. Frankly, omen can barely make it in the Reg Force infantry, I doubt they could make it in JTF.

Enfield

Enfield

28 November 2000, 02:25

sorry, double post

[This message has been edited by Enfield (edited 11-28-2000).]

jasonh1234

28 November 2000, 05:23

Thanks for the pic FNG.
Garett: The "nut protector" you refer to is actually part of his vest. There is a fold out flap that is normally tucked behind the chest area and can be folded down for extra protection. (Apologies if you already knew this.)

Well overall he doesn't look anything to special. In fact, I can almost piece that exact outfit together with stuff I already own. The only thing I'm really having trouble seeing is the gear on his vest.
I'm really curious about the distinct looking, but unidentifiable "bump" on the front of his helmet. What the heck is that?

FNG

28 November 2000, 17:15

Jasonh, there is no need for JTF to look highly distinct. They simply carry what they need, using what they have available. In this case, just the typical flight suits, body armour, tac vest, knee pads, helmet, and balaclava. There is no need for them to experiment with new and untested gear when the tried and true, off the shelf (cheaper) stuff already works well enough.

On his vest, you can see 9mm mag pouches on the left, with pistol mag pouches on top of the 9mm mag pouches. On the right side are three flashbangs in their respective pouches. Underneath the vest, there are two flexi-cuffs attached. There are two utility pouches on each side of the vest, plus comms system being run above that.

I don't know what the 'bump' on the helmet is for certain, but it may be a mount for NVGs.

jasonh1234

28 November 2000, 18:19

Night vision mount huh?
Hmm that sounds better than my guess which was that it was a embossed logo of some type.
Like a seal (stamp not navy).

King

29 November 2000, 02:49

Yah thanks for the pics FNG...

One more thing. I have heard from someone who claims to have heard that the military police are watching the JTF2 very closely. Appearently members of the Hell Angels have approached JTF2 soldiers and attempted to get them to join the biker gang scene. Obvious reasons would be their skills in weapons and demolitions.

King

29 November 2000, 02:51

jasonh1234

18 December 2000, 01:57

That sounds about as absurd as what I heard about the Saddam Hussein approaching the SEALs to join the Iraqi army.
How the hell would the Hells Angels even know who the JTF guys are? It'd have to be the other way around.

Biker #1
"We need some guys that can blow some stuff up"

Biker #2
"Hmm look in the phone book for JTF-2"

Biker #1
"Ah here we go! Look at em all. Let's call em up and ask em to join our gang."

King

18 December 2000, 02:43

Maybe along the way an ex-military type or even ex-JTF2 guy joined the gang and said,

"You like what I can do, I know this group of people..."

Enfield

18 December 2000, 04:45

It's not that hard...
a)they read this forum, Tested Mettle, or have some buddies in the military, get the same ino we all have
b) they hang around bars in Dwyer Hill, meet the guys, and approach them

They can't be that hard to find, they'll be the really fit guys walking out of the base.

Enfield

garett

18 December 2000, 21:34

Russians will work for vodka, who needs JTF-2.

Disturbance

25 December 2000, 19:19

Obviously we all wish there was more info on JTF2 available to us. Just look at all the shit you can get on US SF and the SEALs and all that jazz.

But at the same time I thinks it really good that its all being kept in the shadows. Secrecy is a hard thing to come by these days and the more you have the better off you will be.

-Disturbance

ZeroG

26 December 2000, 02:24

Heard on the news recently a JTF-2 member was in trouble for helping in a bank heist.
WTF!? Whats happening theses days, not getting paid enough?

garett

26 December 2000, 14:01

Naw it was an ex-Airborne guy, happened a few years ago.

ssdeagle

1 January 2001, 11:36

Originally posted by garett:
Naw it was an ex-Airborne guy, happened a few years ago.

His name is Darnell Bass, currently serving time in AB - was Airborne, the whole situation with he and his reservist buddy Ryan has led to some rather bright lights being directed into the dark corners of JTF2 - specifically at a couple of members who were involved in holding weapons and money for Bass et al. Names are available from the nice people at the Ottawa Citizen. I understand neither of those two gentlemen are with JTF2 any longer

Bass apparently passed two phases of JTF2 testing but failed the physical - as I read it. And FYI - "bars in Dwyer Hill" uhn hun...bar - maybe in Richmond - which is really a corner in a Greek Pizza place located on the main street. Maybe they could meet the bikers at the Army/Navy or the Legion?