About DLCD

The Directorate of Land Concepts and Designs (DLCD) advises the Chief of the Land Staff on the future security environment, the capabilities that will be required to operate in that environment and alternative concepts and technologies to achieve the required capabilities.  In meeting its mandate, the Directorate examines a wide range of issues covering the global and domestic environments, emerging technologies, the human dimensions of conflict, and allied and foreign force developments. The future army team consists of a small group of military personnel and defence scientists supported by a wide range of contacts, both military and civilian, from within Canada as well as international partners.  

DLCD is the key player in the conceive and design pillars of the Army’s Capability Development process. In broad terms DLCD provides a focal point within the Army to identify, examine and assess factors and developments that will have an impact on the Army of Tomorrow (AoT) and the Future Army (FA), or more concretely, from 2016 and beyond.

As the strategic-change conceivers of the Army, DLCD is comprised of experienced, highly knowledgeable and motivated officers and defence scientists who provide in-depth analysis and creative thinking. They are innovative in their approaches and are not afraid to venture off the beaten path in search of novel ideas, concepts, and designs.  DLCD strengths lie in its positive attitude, open-mindedness, and in its ability to work as a team resulting in great synergy. It produces timely, quality analysis concerning the future security environment and the future expanded battlefield, from which it will be capable of developing operating concepts based on principles for the AoT and FA.  Along the way, DLCD will seek opportunities to spread the value of its work both within and outside the Army as well as play the devil’s advocate with all those within the Army who are driven to concentrate solely on current issues.  In essence, DLCD instigates and fosters innovative practices and forces the army to continue its evolution.

DLCD is mandated to actively develop, advance and communicate innovative ideas, concepts, and designs aimed at preparing the Canadian Army to meet the challenges of a dynamic global future security environment.  In addition to the provision of subject matter expertise, briefings, consultations, and presentations, it maintains a fully developed research library as well as a robust and timely publication program.  All of these assets combined serve to provide relevant and timely advice to the army’s decision makers.

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