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FYOP – week two – history
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Words from a Cadet Flight Leader (CFL)
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Perspective from Kaeble Flight
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FYOP – week two – history
As we progress into the second week of FYOP first year cadets continue to be tested physically and mentally.
The pastweek many nights were spent learning “college knowledge”. First years are expected to know on demand the history surrounding their college, their leadership, both in the cadet wing and in the CAF, as well as important RMC culture.
In preparation for passing off the square, where first year cadets will perform a perfect drill sequence in pairs and then be asked a question by “the top 5”, the 5 most senior ranking cadets at the college.
Cadets can be expected to know upwards of 25 cadets within the wing, anybody in their direct chain of command, squadron colours, and important dates; such as when each building was built and the lyrics to “O Canada”, “God Save the Queen” and what is inscribed on either side of the memorial arch.
OCdt Simpson, BTJ 27428
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Words from a Cadet Flight Leader (CFL)
Throughout the month of September 2015, I have received the distinct pleasure of filling the role of Cadet Flight Leader for the members of Fighter Flight during their FYOP term. I will be honest when I say that I cannot speak for each individual member of the cadet wing, or of even Fighter Flight as to the feelings and experiences they have during these long four weeks as each person is different, but I can speak to the caliber of training they are undergoing, and what this will mean to them in the four years to come.
Throughout my four years at the Royal Military College, I have seen four terms of FYOP and had the opportunity to be a part of three of them. To me, FYOP is the foundation for an officer cadet’s time at the college, not only in a literal sense but in a figurative sense as well. FYOP provides the information, skills, and habits that is necessary in a great leader. FYOP is not a comfortable four week experience. Each individual is challenged both physically and mentally to a level far beyond what they may have thought they were initially capable of. For many people this is a new and uncomfortable feeling, but one that every officer cadet must experience. Even through the rigours of their first week, which have passed in a blur, myself, and my fellow FYOP staff have seen these Officer Cadets from across the country come together and begin to develop a team, as well as their own personal strengths and skills.
For my staff and I, one of the primary goals of FYOP is to develop an effective team. Throughout each one of my experiences, this goal has been accomplished exceptionally well, and as I watch the class of 2019 begin their long trek to become commissioned officers in the Canadian Armed Forces, I can be certain that this year will be no different. The teamwork and camaraderie that one develops during FYOP are skills that cannot be conveyed in a classroom or through text books. They are developed through the tremendous work and effort invested in the FYOP program by each individual First Year Cadet. These teams will become their closest friends, support system, confidants, and their family away from home.
OCdt, Swanson, NT 26585 CFL Fighter Flight 2015
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Perspective from Kaeble Flight
FYOP is a time of great stress and hardship.
It can be very demanding on all candidates who undergo it, and for most, it can almost be too overwhelming. However, for those who endure this process, it should be regarded as a time of development, a test of endurance, and even a period for celebration.
For where else would such bonds of teamwork and comradery be so strongly forged? Where else would our physical and mental limits be pushed so profoundly? Where else would our discipline and personal abilities be honed to such unfathomable heights?
Only through such stresses and tests of will do we develop ourselves into what we, as officers of the Canadian Armed Forces, aspire to be in order to serve our country to the best of our abilities. True, the road ahead may be difficult, but in the end, it will make us rarer gifts than gold.
NCdt Murray 27752, Kaeble Flight, 2015