Photos by 26346 Dan Ryan and 26549 Kai Zhao
This past Saturday August 24th, a large group of family & friends were on hand to welcome the recruits who were arriving from Saint-Jean, PQ following a couple of weeks of military training.
The group had little more than an hour to mingle prior to moving across the road to march through the Arch. On hand to give a warm welcome to the families and new recruits was 16888 BGen Al Meinzinger. The first year commandant was accompanied with many other members of the RMCC military staff – both officers and senior non commissioned members. Family, friends, and recruits appeared to appreciate the personal one-on-one face time with the college brass.
22051 Lt (N) Rob Medeiros was in charge of the proceedings in the Field House of the Athletic Centre. He and his supporting staff were well prepared and handled all the issues and questions posed to them by the many excited and anxious family and friends. Overall a very impressive performance.
Hello Class of 2017 – First step in a four year (or more) marathon
WJO with inputs from 25941 OCdt (IV) Daniil Sviajine & 26059 OCdt. (IV) Luke Morrison
The Royal Military College of Canada Class of 2017 marched through the Memorial Arch on moving inwards signifying their inauguration into the college. Family and friends gathered to watch the recruits undergo this tradition, which only occurs twice during a cadet’s time at the College. The only other time the class marches through the Arch will be following their graduation in May of 2017 when they move outwards.
This year, the contingent was made up of 178 RMC 1st year recruits, College Militaire Royal de St. Jean-sur-Richelieu 2nd year cadets and Otter Sqn 1st years consisting of previously non-commissioned members who have enrolled in the University Training Plan Non Commissioned Members (UTPNCM) program. The contingent then marched onto the parade square where the cadet senior leadership were ready to greet them. The II, III & IV Years on the parade square then performed the classic college cheer. The 1st years were then given a welcoming speech by the universally highly respected, Director of Cadets, 19706 LCol Patrick Lemyre. The second year Director of Cadets informed them of the challenges they will face, and obstacles they will triumph as a team.
For five weeks the recruits will undergo the First Year Orientation Program (FYOP) which will come to a close after the completion of the obstacle course. It will be on that weekend, 27 & 28 September that the cadets are given their RMC cap badge, by a member of the Old Brigade signifying their belonging to the RMC family.
Best wishes to all members of the Class of 2017 during FYOP and beyond.
