Cadets Learning the Seriousness of Harassment
Article By: 27249 OCdt (l) Michael Clement Duenas Cambare – 6 Squadron
“Unit morale ultimately falls onto you, when you become junior officers,” said Director of Cadets Lieutenant-Colonel Popov while iterating the importance of ascertaining a unit’s opinions and concerns through surveys, during last Wednesday’s military brief.
The LCol continued to discuss the importance and scientific relevance of having voluntarily executed surveys, as fidgety cadets eagerly waited to complete the surveys in their hands. The survey in question was regarding the concerns of harassment, stemming from cadets and staff alike, potentially experienced by Royal Military College of Canada cadets.
Although described as tedious, the lengthy questionnaire asked a wide range of questions that accounted for experience with varying types of harassment. Cadets were also asked to testify on the strength and reliability of current systems in place meant to address harassment and social issues at RMCC.
The Canadian Armed Forces is increasingly emphasizing the importance of the mental health of its soldiers, and surveys such as this will promise up-to-date awareness of a unit’s psychological trends, as well as examining the effectiveness and reliability of services meant to address mental issues.
Psychological and mental health surveys are just one way in which the CAF is ensuring it continues to be an efficient, and advanced fighting force available for the safety and security of the homeland and her people.