Colonel Roch Lacroix recently returned from Afghanistan, where he served as Deputy Commander of Canadian and NATO Forces in Kandahar Province from February to November 2009. This activity will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the counter-insurgency struggle taking place in this conflict-stricken region. Through his experiences, you will also learn how Canadian Forces are working to assist the Afghans in sustaining a more secure environment in order to facilitate development, reconstruction and law and order.
The Colonel will speak on combat operations, the challenges of command during a demanding and complex mission, as well as the advances being made by Canadian soldiers and civilians in spite of the difficult conditions in the heart of Kandahar Province. You will not want to miss this informative discussion about the Afghanistan mission.
Colonel Lacroix will be accompanied by Tara Denham, Chief of Staff for the Representative of Canada in Kandahar. As the Government of Canada's senior civilian representative in Kandahar province, the RoCK is the senior Canadian interlocutor on matters related to governance and development with Afghan provincial government officials and institutions in Kandahar, as well as with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant entities and actors.
The RoCK works closely with the Commander of the Canadian Forces' Joint Task Force Afghanistan to support the coherent and effective implementation of Canada's objectives in Afghanistan. This collaboration aims to ensure that the whole-of-government civilian and military team in Afghanistan has successfully synchronized governance, development, and security lines of operation.
More About Colonel Lacroix:
Colonel Lacroix enrolled in the Canadian Forces on 19 November 1975. He has occupied various regimental command and staff positions including BC of X Battery, 5RALC, Detachment Commander Yukon Territories, and CO of 5RALC CFB Valcartier. Staff appointments include EA DComd FMC, Base Ops O CFB Shilo, LFWA G1, DLFR 5 LFC, J3 International 1, NDHQ. He recently served as COS LFAA. Colonel Lacroix has completed various operational tours to include four years with 1 RCHA Germany, Cyprus, Haiti, and East Timor.
From February to November 2009, Col Lacroix served as the Deputy Commander of Joint Task Force – Afghanistan/ Task Force Kandahar - the CF’s contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission in Kandahar Province, under ISAF Regional Command (South). Col Lacroix worked alongside BGen Vance, whose command consisted of approximately 2,500 personnel from units across Canada including the Canadian Battle Group, numerous support elements, the Operational Mentor Liaison Team (OMLT) and a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) supported by officials from Foreign Affairs Canada, the Canadian International Development Agency, Correctional Services of Canada and the RCMP.