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Military Occupation Classification (MOC) weekend: the duty weekend that RMCC cadets always look forward to. During MOC weekend, junior and senior officers as well as non-commissioned members from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, gather at RMCC to provide cadets with a unique opportunity to learn what to expect when they get “out in the real world.” Cadets are divided first by element, then by trade, to take part in a variety of events both formal and informal. MOC weekend offers cadets from all three elements a glimpse of the current and future state of the Canadian Armed Forces.
La fin de semaine des groupes professionnels militaires est une des fins de semaine en devoir grandement appréciée par les élèves officiers du CMRC. Durant la fin de semaine des métiers, des officiers et militaires du rang provenant de partout au Canada se déplacent au collège pour offrir aux élofs une opportunité unique de découvrir ce qui leur attend après leur graduation. Les élofs sont séparés par leur élément, armée de terre, force aérienne, et la marine, et par métier pour prendre part à une variété d’évènements formels et informels. Cette fin de semaine offre ainsi aux élofs un aperçu de l’état actuel et futur des Forces armées canadiennes.
Élof (IV) Sarah Labrecque, 25936, Esc 4
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It’s A Beautiful Day To Be In The Army
25936 OCdt (IV) Sarah Labrecque, 4 Sqn
The Army Military Occupational Classification (MOC) Weekend began with an impressive static display on the RMCC parade square Friday afternoon. Five Army trades were represented: artillery, infantry, electrical and mechanical engineers, engineers, and armoured. CAF members came from different bases throughout Canada to show off their guns, LAVs, robots, and other exciting army equipment.
In the evening, all Army RMCC cadets and many Army Training Wing staff gathered in the Cadet Formal Mess to greet and introduce the Army VIPs and CAF members who traveled to Kingston for MOC Weekend. The Meet and Greet provided an ideal environment for cadets to speak with experienced CAF members and to learn about their trades in an informal setting.
On Saturday morning, all Army trades gathered at the Kingston Military Community Sports Center to attend three briefs. The first was given by the Canadian Army’s Chief of Staff Land Operations, BGen McQuillan. He began his presentation by acknowledging the Canadian Army Commander, LGen Hainse, and the Canadian Army Sergeant Major, CWO Hornbrook, who could not be present at this year’s MOC Weekend, by paying tribute to them in beginning his speech with “it’s a beautiful day to be in the Army!”, CWO Hornbrook’s typical enthusiastic introduction. He went on to deliver a speech about the Canadian Army, detailing the Army’s mission, vision, command structure, governance, and divisions. He also emphasized that we are all “coming into an Army that is in very good shape” with regards to the Army’s current state of equipment. All in all, BGen McQuillan’s presentation was an optimistic depiction of the Canadian Army’s current and future state. The second presentation was given by Capt Porter from the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Center (CAAWC). He presented an overview of the many stimulating courses offered at the CAAWC. The presentation was wrapped up with a rappelling demonstration from the gym’s ceiling! The last presentation was given by staff from the Infantry School. They came to speak about the Basic Military Officer Qualification Land course, which all Army officers must complete. They offered guidance on how to prepare for the course and also gave a break-down of the course’s different modules.
In the afternoon, the armoured, artillery, infantry, engineer, electrical and mechanical engineer, army logistics, signals, intelligence, and health care administration trades all split up into separate rooms to attend trade-specific presentations. As an army logistician, I attended two very entertaining and inspiring logistics presentations. The first was a well-anticipated brief by the Logistics Junior Officer Career Manager, Capt Rivera. To the excitement of all 4th year logisticians, she revealed the dates for the next three courses that await us after graduation. Most exciting of all, we were told to expect a posting message within the next week! The second presentation was delivered to Army Logisticians by LCol Marcella, the Directing Staff at the Canadian Army Command and Staff College. His speech was unique, combining group discussions which got us thinking with inspirational advice from lessons that he had learned throughout his career to date. He shared his number one advice for leaders in the CAF: always set the conditions for the success of your subordinates. Through examples and anecdotes, he inspired us to take every opportunity that we are presented with, and to always promote a trusting environment wherever we go. Finally, he told us why the Army is the place to be: the Army will challenge us, both mentally and physically. Through these challenges, the Army will provide us with opportunities for personal growth. It will be hard, but it will be satisfying, and the challenges we face will only make us stronger. His motivational speech was an excellent way to wrap up the Army MOC weekend, as he demonstrated that no matter what awaits us in our various careers, it is always a beautiful day to be in the Army.
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The Royal Canadian Navy
25927 NCdt (IV) Rikki Bell, 2 Sqn
On Friday, March 21st, the Royal Canadian Navy kicked off MOC weekend with a lively meet and greet at HCMS Cataraqui. RMCC’s naval cadets had the opportunity to mingle with a number of highly ranked and highly respected officers. The commander of the RCN, Vice Admiral Norman, provided ample entertainment when he discovered that two first year cadets were celebrating their 19th birthdays and insisted upon singing “Happy Birthday” for all to hear.
The Saturday proved to be an informative and inspiring day for all in attendance. Vice Admiral Norman gave an excellent brief detailing the direction and directive of the RCN for both today and the years to come. His speech was motivating and spoke to the bravery and professionalism of Canada’s sailors today, which set every naval cadet in the room itching to graduate and join the fleet. The rest of the day’s speakers followed the same precedent, showing the RCN to be a dynamic, challenging, and exceedingly rewarding organization to belong to. Though the RMCC journey is not over yet, and has only just begun for some, it was good to be reminded of the excitement and opportunities that lay ahead.
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The Royal Canadian Air Force
26659 OCdt (II) Danielle Andela, 1 Sqn
This Saturday, March 22nd, the Royal Military College of Canada’s officer cadets (who had the pleasure of sitting in on the Royal Canadian Air Force briefings this MOC weekend) were in for a fantastic time as they listened to lively and interesting briefings on the many trades available for members of the RCAF. Introduced by Brigadier General Meinzinger, the stage was then graced by the Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force himself, Lieutenant-General Yvan Blondin. After a short description of his extensive service and his opinions on why this information was important to the cadets, the cadets received a short briefing on the relevance of the air force in modern strategic plans and relevant operations. These operations not only included past and current operations but also future operations that the officers of the RMCC may have the opportunity to be a part of in the future. Each trade professional took the opportunity to describe not only their trade, but also their experiences and their best moments in their respective trades. The air force officers ranged from Aerospace Control Officer (AEC), Air Combat Systems Officer (ACSO), Communications and Electronics Engineer (CELE), Logistics Officer, Pilot, Construction Engineer, Aerospace Engineer Officer.
Photos by Curtis Maynard.