COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- The Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, Lieutenant-General Stuart Beare, and the Commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and United States Northern Command, General Charles H. Jacoby, Jr. (US Army) signed two documents - the Tri Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation and the Tri Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent - during the 230th meeting of the Canada-US Permanent Joint Board on Defense, in Colorado Springs, Colorado today.

The Tri Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation acknowledges that defence issues do not drive Arctic affairs and that the Canadian and US militaries will support other departments and agencies in response to threats and hazards in the region when requested and directed. In that context, the goal of the Framework is to promote enhanced military cooperation in the Arctic and identify specific areas of potential Tri Command (Canadian Joint Operations Command, United States Northern Command and NORAD) cooperation in the preparation for, and conduct of, safety, security and defence operations. It strengthens an already unique and mature partnership with deep military bi-national coordination and cooperation ties. Areas of potential improved cooperation in the Arctic include planning, domain awareness, information-sharing, training and exercises, operations, capability development, and science and technology.

Both the Commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command and the Commander of NORAD and United States Northern Command have areas of responsibility within the Arctic. The Commands have complementary missions and work closely together to meet individual and collective responsibilities including support of civilian authorities when required.

The second document, the Tri Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent, enhances joint and combined readiness in support of safety, security and defence missions through combined training and exercises and reinforcing partnerships and collaboration among the Commands.

The signing of the Tri Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation and the Tri Command Training and Exercise Statement of Intent follows on the Tri Command Strategy, which identifies a series of joint initiatives designed to strengthen the Tri Command operational relationships concerning mutual support and cooperation.

The Permanent Joint Board on Defense has been in existence for more than 70 years and is the highest-level bilateral defence and security forum between Canada and the United States. These documents were signed as part of a one-day program bringing together senior officials from both countries to discuss defence and security issues.

Canadian Joint Operations Command is responsible for Canadian Forces routine and contingency operations in Canada, continental North America and its maritime approaches. The Command continually monitors developments across North America and its approaches and stands ready to defend the safety and security of Canadians at home, in close consultation with its defence and security partners, including NORAD and United States Northern Command.

Notes to editor / news director:

Still imagery is available from Canadian Joint Operations Command:

http://www.cjoc.forces.gc.ca/index-eng.asp

For more on the defence relations between Canada and the United States go to the backgrounder at:

http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4073