The Royal Canadian Regiment is the senior Regular Force infantry regiment in the Canadian Army. Formed in 1883, the Regiment is well into its stride of serving Canada with its characteristic mix of courage, chivalry and dash. In the simplest terms, the purpose of The Royal Canadian Regiment is to fight. That is, to fight in defence of Canada and Canada’s vital interests. It fulfils this purpose in time of war and whenever it conducts combat operations.
The role of the Regiment, as a component of the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps within the Canadian Army and the Canadian Armed Forces, is to train and maintain in readiness military forces for service as directed by the Government of Canada. This service can range across the spectrum of conflict, from support to the civil authorities in peacetime to high-intensity combat operations in time of war. In every instance, the Regiment is ready and able to do what is asked of it. In the pursuit of its role, the Regiment has for many decades identified the following six goals or interests:
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To provide loyal, effective and efficient units to the Canadian Army Order of Battle;
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To inculcate and foster in all members of The RCR a high standard of military professionalism firmly anchored on the Canadian Army’s ethos of Duty, Integrity, Discipline and Honour;
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To champion the regimental system by instilling cohesion, regimental pride and fighting spirit in soldiers, exercised within a strong regimental architecture that includes serving and retired members, The RCR Association, the families of regimental members and an appreciation of the regiment’s history and achievements;
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To promote The RCR’s identity and cardinal principles while preserving and perpetuating the Regiment’s history and its relevant customs and traditions;
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To foster the creation of excellent regimental leaders at all rank levels through professional development and career enhancement opportunities; and,
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To ensure a strong connection to Canadian society by maintaining a high and positive public profile of the Regiment.
The Regimental Family includes all those who serve or have served in the regiment, their immediate families, the RCR Association, members of allied regiments, affiliated Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, and members of other regiments, corps or branches who serve or have served on the posted strength of any element or unit of the Regiment.