Since the earliest days of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), training has been a cornerstone of operational success. Winnipeg has played a significant role in this mission, becoming home to RCAF Training Command Headquarters in 1959. Under the leadership of Air Vice-Marshal J.G. Bryans, Training Command oversaw the instruction of approximately 15,000 air force personnel across 10 air force stations throughout Canada, ensuring that the RCAF maintained a high level of preparedness during the Cold War era.
The decision to establish Training Command in Winnipeg was a natural progression. The city had been a hub for air force training since the postwar years, hosting numerous units dedicated to pilot and aircrew development. Prior to Training Command’s official formation, Winnipeg had already been home to No. 11 Group Headquarters and various training units that played a crucial role in preparing RCAF personnel for their duties.
Though RCAF Training Command was eventually disbanded in 1966 with the formation of Canadian Forces Training Command, Winnipeg’s role as a premier air force training centre did not end. Today, that tradition continues with 2 Canadian Air Division (2 CAD), the RCAF’s training authority, headquartered at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg.
2 CAD is responsible for the development and execution of all RCAF training and education programs, ensuring that today’s personnel receive the same level of excellence as those trained under the former Training Command. In addition to overseeing foundational training programs, 17 Wing Winnipeg continues to host specialized courses that shape the future of the RCAF.
These include:
Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO) Course – Training personnel in airborne mission management and tactical coordination.
Electronic Warfare (Basic and Advanced) – Equipping members with critical skills in electronic countermeasures and warfare strategies.
Basic Space Operations and Space Operations Courses – Preparing air force personnel for the growing importance of space in modern military operations.
From its early days as an air navigation school to its current role as a training hub, CFB Winnipeg remains at the heart of RCAF training. The legacy established in 1959 lives on through the thousands of air force members who continue to receive world-class instruction here.
As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of CFB Winnipeg, it is fitting to recognize the long-standing tradition of training excellence that has shaped both the base and the wider RCAF. The people who trained in Winnipeg decades ago set the foundation for today’s air force professionals, ensuring that the RCAF remains ready to serve Canada at home and abroad.
