The Old Brigade is one of the most cherished traditions of Canada’s military colleges. Open to any alumnus who entered a Canadian Military College 50 years ago—or who has reached the age of 67—the Old Brigade symbolizes continuity, service, and the enduring ties of our alumni community. Membership spans not only Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) graduates, but also those who served through the University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members (UTPNCM), the University Training Plan for Officers (UTPO), and the Post Graduate Programme (PGP). Members who entered a Canadian Military College in a four-year plan, including RMC, RRMC and First Year at RMCSJ are automatically welcomed into the Old Brigade four months early and shall be entitled to adopt the customs normally accorded to members of the Old Brigade, as decreed by the Adjutant.
At the Old Brigade Dinner on September 13, 2025, Valerie Spencer Keyes and Leslie Guyatt were formally recognized and inducted. While they are not the first women to meet the Old Brigade’s eligibility criteria, they were the first to be formally inducted under this process. Their recognition is a proud moment for both the Old Brigade and the RMC Alumni Association.
The Old Brigade plays a special role in college and alumni life. From leading the Memorial Arch Parade and presenting coins at the first-year obstacle course, to supporting badging ceremonies and Reunion Weekend traditions in Kingston and Saint-Jean, its members embody the values of Truth, Duty, Valour while linking past, present, and future generations.
The RMC Alumni Association also believes that many more alumni are already eligible for induction but may not realize it. To help grow the Old Brigade and ensure every eligible member is included, the Association is asking the community to help identify candidates.
Who is Eligible:
Women and men who participated in the University Training Plan for Non-Commissioned Members (UTPNCM), University Training Plan for Officers (UTPO), and the Post Graduate Programme (PGP) will become eligible members of the Old Brigade fifty (50) years from their year of entry into a Canadian Military College or upon attaining the age of 67 years, whichever occurs first.
To confirm eligibility, alumni (or those nominating on their behalf) are asked to provide:
- The academic program completed
- The year of entry into the program
- Date of birth
If you believe you are, or know someone who is, eligible for the Old Brigade, please contact: [email protected] .
This September’s induction of Valerie Spencer Keyes and Leslie Guyatt reminds us that our traditions continue to evolve. The Old Brigade remains a living symbol of belonging, open to all who have contributed to the enduring legacy of Canada’s military colleges.
Biographies:
Valerie Spencer Keyes, CD, MA, MSL
Valerie arrived at RMC as a Communications Reserve Lieutenant in the autumn of 1978, having already been made an honorary member of Wolfe Squadron, as part of the Post Graduate Training Programme. She was both the first woman and the first Reservist to be admitted to the programme. She graduated as a member of the class of 80 with an MA in War Studies. She continued to serve in the Reserves for another decade, in Kingston (RMC staff), Edmonton, Ottawa and Alert). After joining the Public Service, she served mostly in DND, with postings to the Privy Council Office, Natural Resources Canada and with the British Army. Valerie’s 35 year career focused on policy, security and intelligence, retiring as a Senior Executive. During her career Valerie earned a Master of Science in Leadership from Washington University in St Louis (the only Canadian ever to received the degree) and is currently enrolled in a leadership certification programme at the Harvard Business School. After retiring in 2021, Valerie started her company, GTM Leadership Matters, and now teaches leadership, communications, and values and ethics. She consults with several other management consulting companies as well.
Valerie has had a long association with the RMC Club, firstly with the Ottawa Branch of which she was President 1993-94, and then National Executive, succeeding to the Presidency 1998-99. She then served on the Foundation Board for three years. She was the first woman to serve in any of these positions.
Valerie and 12571 Cdr (ret) Keith Keyes were married in 1981, and are the proud parents of Tristan who now works at National Defence, and Alastair who, after service in the RCN, lives and works in the Netherlands. Valerie and Keith alternate between their heritage house in Ottawa and their farm properties near Perth which keeps them more than busy. In retirement Valerie continues to do research and write, whilst also pursuing her hobbies of music and philology. She also serves on a number of charitable boards, including the Canadian International Council and is currently the President of the Ottawa and Area Chapter of MADD Ottawa and Area.
Colonel (Ret’d) M. Leslie Guyatt, CD, PMP
Originating from Toronto Ontario, Leslie Guyatt has served the Government of Canada for over 50 years as both a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and as a Federal Public Servant. Throughout her career she worked in multiple areas of interest, including policy and programme development; force development and operations related to command, control, information technology, logistics and administration; and the management of complex information management and information technology projects.
Leslie started her 33-year military career in the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals as a private soldier in 1971. She subsequently entered the RESO Programme, graduating as a Second Lieutenant in 1977. She retired from the military in 2007 at the rank of Colonel, having served across Canada in both staff and command positions in Canadian Forces Communications Command (CFCC), Canadian Forces Training System (CFTS), and National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ). Leslie then joined the Federal Public Service within the Department of National Defence as an information technology Project Manager where she arm-wrestled several classified projects until her retirement in May 2025.
Leslie’s career highlights include appointments as Commanding Officer of 735 (Winnipeg) Communication Regiment, the Communication Reserve Advisor (East), and the Project Portfolio manager for several classified Information Technology projects. She has received Commendations from the Commander CFCC and the Assistant Deputy Minister (Information Management). Her academic achievements include an Electronics Technology Diploma from the Toronto Metropolitan (Ryerson) University, and a Bachelor of Arts (History) degree from the Royal Military College, Kingston.
A woman of many interests, Leslie is an amateur equestrian, seamstress, photographer, and artist. She and her husband Steve enjoy rural life on their hobby farm south of Ottawa.