RCR Association Podcast – Col Kristopher Reeves RMC 2001, discusses his career as a solider
Col Kristopher Reeves (RMC 2001) was recently interviewed on the RCR Association Podcast. Col Reeves joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in 1996. He graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada in 2001 and completed regimental duty with the 1st and 3rd Battalions of The Royal Canadian Regiment in Petawawa. In 2017, he assumed command of 3 RCR. On June 28th 2024, Colonel Kris Reeves assumed command of 2 CMBG from Colonel (at that time) Jay MacKeen, MSM, CD, during a ceremony held at Garrison Petawawa.
Chief of the Defence Staff Announces Additional 2024 Colonel Promotions, Appointments and Retirements
Furthering the August 2024 announcements of Captain (Navy) and Colonel promotions, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) General Jennie Carignan announced additional promotions, appointments and retirements. There were a number of notable promotions and appointments in this recent announcement. For example, Col. N.K. Isenor was appointed Military Judge by Her Excellency the Governor General in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of National Defence.
Chief of the Defence Staff Announces General/Flag Officer Promotions, Appointments and Releases
The CANFORGEN is an amendment of CANFORGEN 125/24, announcing the initial crop of General/Flag Officer promotions for 2024.
Air Force Commander Announces Commanding Officer and Senior Appointments for 2025 APS
In the statement, published in CANFORGEN 188/24, Kenny reminds the new appointees of the expectations on them. The new senior leadership of the RCAF was reminded to study and embody the CAF Ethos: Trusted to Serve.
“I depend on you to lead our aviators with integrity, courage and conviction. As you prepare to assume your critical leadership opportunities within the RCAF, I challenge each of you to think about how you will ensure that every member under your command can thrive and grow in a safe, inclusive and respectful environment. I am confident that you are well-prepared to succeed in this critical command responsibility,” said the RCAF Commander in the statement.
Canadian Military Colleges Seeking Environmental Occupations for Operational Job Experience for Naval and Officer Cadets
The Canadian Military Colleges (CMC) are calling on environmental occupations and Level 1 Supervisors (L1s) to submit lists of Operational Job Experience (OJE) opportunities for Naval and Officer Cadets (N/OCDTs) as part of their summer training for 2025.
Statement from the Minister of National Defence to mark Black History Month 2025
This year marks 30 years since the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. Throughout the month of February and all-year round, I am honoured to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Black Canadians, including Black Defence Team members. Throughout Canada’s history Black Canadians have stepped forward to protect our nation by serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. They’ve contributed with distinction as members of the Department of National Defence and the Communications Security Establishment. They’ve often faced significant barriers and discrimination, but their resilience, dedication, and bravery have been crucial to safeguarding our national security.
The Memory Project invites all veterans and currently serving members of the Canadian Forces to share their stories of military service
Our volunteer speakers are enthusiastic about sharing their first-hand accounts. We encourage speakers to cover topics from front-line battles to peacekeeping to domestic service, and we believe that all military experiences are equally important to share. Every veteran has a story to tell, and every story deserves to be heard. We’d love to help you share your story with audiences across Canada.
Deaths
Soldier, scholar, and denizen of Lisa Bay, Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Lyle Bland died quietly in Kingston, Ontario on February 5th, 2025, in his 84th year.
Born in Kingston on pay day September 30th, 1941, Doug was an army brat growing up in Bordon, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba. At 18, he joined Canadian Armed Forces and served as a proud 8th Hussar for 30 years. He held commands in Canada and Germany where, as he would tell it, he was ‘holding back the creeping tide of communism’, and at the Canadian National Defence Headquarters. After retiring from the military, Doug served as a consultant for the Canadian Red Cross and a technical advisor to the Government of Canada, Somalia Inquiry.