Canadian Forces Ensign

Canadian Forces Ensign is the official flag of Canada's Armed Forces. Unified in 1968 under a single command, the forces include the former Canadian Army, the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Airforce. Operating as a single organization, the Canadian Forces employs several functional commands, most notably CF Air Command, CF Naval Command and CF Land Forces Command. The Canadian style of military deployment is used in only a handful of countries and is subject to much debate as to its effectiveness.

The Canadian Forces Ensign is flown on land at all Armed Forces establishment where it should only appear in conjunction with the National Flag. The Canadian Forces Ensign contains a white field with the Canadian Flag in the canton and the Armed Forces badge on the fly. The badge, which was approved by Queen Elizabeth in 1967, displays the crossed swords of the army, the fouled anchor of the navy and the soaring eagle of the airforce. Surrounding this pattern is ten red maple leaves and it is surmounted by the crown of Canada.

The unification of the Canadian Forces has not always been a popular idea in Canadian society nor with enlisted personnel. However, the Canadian Forces ensign has always been a rallying point uniting Canada's service men and women in service to Canada.