Canadian Forces Support Group Ottawa-Gatineau (CFSG (O-G))

CFSG (O-G)’s role is to deliver:

• administrative support and comptroller services to military personnel within the NCR
• transport and supply services to units, detachments and elements located in the NCR
• morale, spiritual and, welfare services
• fitness and sports programs
• parades and protocol
• management of unit facilities for organizations located in the NCR
• security and Military Police (SAMP) services, including contracted security escorts for NCR units
• support services as part of the General Safety Program to units, detachments and elements in the NCR
• training at Connaught Range and Primary Training Centre
• the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces
• Public Affairs Support Services and Imaging Services

The Canadian Forces Support Group (Ottawa-Gatineau) (CFSG[O-G]) is host to the largest Canadian Forces Base in Canada. CFSG(O-G)’s history is closely interwoven with the histories of Canadian Forces Bases Rockcliffe and Uplands, as well as the streamlining and downsizing processes that have occurred over the decades within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Its latest milestone is the major organizational restructure and subsequent name change in July 2020 when the Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) became a Formation under the Deputy Vice Chief of the Defense Staff, composed of the following Sub-Units:

• Canadian Forces Base Ottawa-Gatineau (CFB O-G)
• Personnel Support Services (Ottawa-Gatineau) (PSS[O-G])
• Technical Support Services (Ottawa-Gatineau) (TSS[O-G])
• Connaught Range Primary Training Centre (CRPTC)
• The Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces (CBCAF)

The Captain (Navy)/Colonel in command holds the appointment of Formation Commander of CFSG(O-G) and Base Commander of CFB O-G, with a Chief Petty Officer 1^st Class/Chief Warrant Officer by his side appointed as National Defence Headquarters Chief Warrant Officer.

Historical Background

CFSG(O-G) was originally stood up as Commandant, Army Headquarters, and renamed the N^o 1 Army Administrative Unit (1AAU) in the 1950s. Among some of their newly acquired responsibilities were the administration of all pay matters and the recruitment for the future Canadian Army Special Forces.

The amalgamation of the three distinct military services in the 1960s led to the integration of the three service branches’ Headquarters into the Canadian Forces Headquarters (CFHQ), and the three existing Headquarters’ Administrative Units – 1 AAU, HMCS Bytown, and 1 RCAF Administrative Unit, into the CFHQ Administrative Unit (CFHQ AU). The newly formed unit had broadened administrative responsibilities in four main areas: administration, office services, security, and finance.

Even after the formation of CFHQ AU, the unification process would continue to change the face of the CF and influence the future CFSG(O-G). On 1 February, 1968 Bill C-243, the Canadian Forces Reorganization Act, became law and the three service branches were combined into a single entity. The unification had direct consequences on the NCR as two previously distinct entities - RCAF Station Rockcliffe and RCAF Station Uplands, became Canadian Forces Bases (CFBs) Rockcliffe and Uplands. 

The integration of these two bases proved to be a challenging undertaking as each had its own unique history, traditions, and specialties. CFB Rockcliffe was established in 1919, and its major activities for the 40 years following its creation focused on providing logistical, photographic and intelligence support, including aerial photography for charting much of Canada, and aeronautical experimentation.

CFB Uplands, which originally shared airfield facilities with Ottawa’s civilian airport, was selected as a site for a British Commonwealth Air Training Plan flying school in 1945. Since the 1950s it had been part of both Air Defence and Air Transport Commands, and housed various flying units over the years, including the Aeronautical Evaluation and Test Establishments and the 412 VIP Transport Squadron.

In the 1970s, CFHQ was disbanded and its responsibilities were re-allocated to the newly formed NDHQ, which then moved to its long-term location at 101 Colonel By Drive in Downtown Ottawa.

Several bases were downsized, merged or closed during the 1990s, including CFB Ottawa. On 1 April 1994, the newly established Canadian Forces Support Unit (Ottawa) (CFSU[O]) replaced CFB Ottawa with the mandate to provide centralized support services to all components of NDHQ, assigned units within the NCR, and selected units abroad. During this transition period, CFSU(O) implemented several initiatives to improve services provided to NDHQ personnel, namely, the creation of the Military Family Resource Centre of the National Capital Region, the creation of a central reception, and the reorganization of the Administrative Section.

Nowadays, CFSG(O-G) has personnel working in various facilities across the NCR but has its Headquarters located at NDHQ(Carling), in the west end of Ottawa. The Group provides support and services to approximately 24,000 Regular and Reserve Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian employees of the Department of National Defence and Non-Public Funds.

Historically, one of the most significant and visible aspects of CFSG(O-G) has been its ceremonial responsibilities, given its prime location in the nation’s capital. The Group has represented the pride and professionalism that is demonstrated nationally by all CAF members during countless ceremonial events and celebrations, including Canada Day (formerly known as Dominion Day), commemorative military ceremonies, foreign and national dignitaries visits, the opening of sessions of Parliament, sentinels and sentries for Remembrance Day and wreath-laying ceremonies at the National War Memorial. Furthermore, CFSG(O-G) has always demonstrated compassion and recollection in its duties through its long record of participation in interment ceremonies at Beechwood, Pinecrest, Notre Dame, and St. Paul’s cemeteries. CFSG(O-G) has also been instrumental in hosting visits from numerous foreign dignitaries, including Her Royal Highness, Princess Margaret in 1958, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II in 1967, U.S. Presidents John F. Kennedy in 1961 and Barack Obama in 2009, and several others.