1 WELL-SUPPORTED, DIVERSE, RESILIENT PEOPLE AND FAMILIES People are at the core of everything the Canadian Armed Forces does to deliver on its mandate. As we look to the future, we will also refocus our efforts on ensuring the entire Defence team has the care, services and support it requires. Doing so will be central to attracting and retaining the people we need to keep Canada strong, secure, and engaged in the world. Investing in our people is the single most important commitment we can make. The Defence team is composed of Canadian Armed Forces members and defence civilians of the Department of National Defence. This integrated, civilian-military team works to deliver Defence objectives. The Canadian Armed Forces executes operations at home and abroad to defend Canada and Canadian interests, while defence civilians perform a number of critical enabling functions including intelligence, equipment procurement and maintenance, policy, communications support, infrastructure services, finance, human resources, information technology and scientific research and development. In order to meet the high ambition set out in this policy, the Canadian Armed Forces will increase its ranks by 3,500 Regular Force (to 71,500 total) and 1,500 Reserve Force members (to 30,000 total) and the Department of National Defence will hire an additional 1,150 defence civilians to support military operations in areas such as intelligence and procurement. Some of the new initiatives to support our personnel in this policy, such as mental health initiatives and promoting a culture of healthy, respectful workplace behaviour, apply to the entire team, while others such as the foundational transformation of transition support are unique to our military members. Military service is extremely rewarding, and military members and their families become stronger through the unique challenges and opportunities they face in their work. They become more resilient, discover and strengthen PROFESSION OF ARMS The profession of arms in Canada is composed of military members dedicated to the defence of Canada and its interests, as directed by the Government of Canada. The profession of arms is distinguished by the concept of service before self, and the acceptance of the concept of unlimited liability. Its members possess a systematic and specialized body of military knowledge and skills acquired through education, training and experience, and they apply this expertise competently and objectively in the accomplishment of their missions. Members of the Canadian profession of arms share a set of core values and beliefs found in the military ethos that guides them in the performance of their duty and allows a special relationship of trust to be maintained with Canadian society. their best attributes, and live meaningful, fulfilled lives, secure in the knowledge that they are serving their country, and that they are appreciated and will be taken care of throughout their service. Military service is also inherently challenging. On operations, the potential for serious physical and mental injuries is a reality. Prolonged absence from loved ones can put strain on families and relationships. The Canadian Armed Forces must deliver on its responsibility to care and support our people when they encounter these challenges. Delivering on our commitment to our people and their families is a sacred obligation and requires a comprehensive suite of initiatives that cover all aspects of how we recruit, lead, train and care for sailors, soldiers, airwomen and men, as well as all those who support them. As Canada 19