CWC Leads Cadet Wing Into 2013
Article by / Écrit par 25888 NCdt (IV) Joey Martin, Cadet Wing Commander
With a strong barslate and a great first week back, I have high expectations for this semester. Immediately upon our return we were able to hit the ground running thanks to the hard work and excellent handover done last semester by Brendan Clark and the Fall term barslate. The beginning of 2013 was followed immediately by the barmen workshop from 4-6 January in which the new barslate worked incredibly hard to lay the foundation for the upcoming semester through thorough planning at the Wing, Division, and Squadron levels. Both OCdt Clark and I share the vision of creating a better leadership experience for the lady and gentlemen Cadets by striving towards a self-governing Cadet Wing that functions with the aid of mentoring from the Training Wing staff.
L’effort principal pour cette session est donc d’établir les systèmes administratifs semblables à ceux utilisés dans les unités des FC, pour fournir aux élofs en charge, présents et futurs, les outils pour commander. Les autres points centraux de ce semestre seront l’importance du leadership, la communication claire des intentions de toutes les directives et souligner les réalisations et réussites des nombreux cadets exceptionnels dans notre Escadre. Je suis immensément fier d’être le COMA pour la session finale de la classes de 2013 et suis impatient de constater les efforts des élofs au cours des prochains quatre mois.
The main effort for this semester is therefore to put in place strong unit systems mirroring those of CF units in order to provide this and future barslates with the tools they need to lead. Other focuses this semester will be on emphasis of the importance of leadership at the lowest level (Section Commanders specifically), the need to communicate clearly the intent of all directives, and refocusing the attention of our College on the many achievements and accomplishments of the numerous outstanding cadets in our Wing. I am immensely proud to be the CWC for the final semester of the Class of 2013 and am looking forward to the next four months.
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Cadet Wing Starts Winter Semester Off Right
Écrit par / Written by 25842 Élof (IV) Constance-Aurélie Ratelle, Élof des Services d’Information de l’Escadre
The Cadet Wing of the Royal Military College of Canada is structured in a way that allows Cadets to govern themselves while being mentored by experienced military officers. This provides Cadets with the unique opportunity to try out real leadership, while still operating in a training environment. The duties of these leaders, known as Barmen, are broad and range from direct leadership of the troops, all the way to planning and organizing external events, and much more.
To prepare the Cadets to take on their new duties, RMCC runs a Barman Workshop at the beginning of each semester, and this year was no different. After a well-deserved Christmas break, the new Cadet leaders of the Royal Military College of Canada returned a few days early for the 2013 Winter Barman Workshop. It started Jan 4th with an address from the College Commandant and Director of Cadets to the senior Cadets of the college. This was followed by a session for the Cadet Wing Commander, 25888 NCdt (IV) Joey Martin, to do his Mission Analysis with his Squadron and Division Leaders.
The following day was a busy one, beginning with the arrival of the junior leaders, and the Cadet Wing Commander presenting his Orders and vision for the semester. The Division Leaders were then left to do their own mission analysis, while the junior leaders attended specific briefings on their duties and responsibilities within the Wing. Finally, everyone split up in to Squadrons, and conducted syndicate work, a big brainstorming session on how to handle potential leadership scenarios.
The third, and final, day of the barman workshop consisted of a message from the Commandant to the junior appointments, a back brief from the Division leaders to the Cadet Wing Commander, and everything ended with an after action review of the workshop, as part of an ongoing effort to improve the College for future generations. All in all, the workshop was three busy days of planning, learning and enabling, which has helped the new leaders of RMC prepare for the challenges to come.
L’escadre du Collège militaire royal du Canada est structurée de façon à permette aux Élofs de se gouverner eux-mêmes, tout en étant encadrés par des officiers expérimentés. Tout en étant en formation, les Élofs peuvent pratiquer leur leadership dans des situations réelles. Les devoirs des leaders se poursuivent dans leurs tâches reliées à leur position de barrette. Ils doivent se joindre aux officiers seniors pour planifier les horaires, les activités, etc.
Pour preparer les Élofs à prendre en charge leurs nouvelles responsabilités, le CMRC dirige un atelier pour les ‘’barmen’’ au commencement de chaque semestre. Apres un congé bien mérité, les nouveaux leaders du collège sont revenus à Kingston quelques jours en avance pour assister à des formations de leadership. L’atelier a débuté le 4 janvier avec un discours du Commandant et du directeur des Élofs, les dirigeants supérieurs. A suivi une session d’information donnée par le COMA Joey Martin, sur le fonctionnement des structures de leadership pour la session d’hiver 2012-2013. Les leaders de division et d’escadron ont ensuite communiqué leurs intentions aux cadets-commandants de chque division et escadron. Finalement, tous les élofs se sont regroupés dans leurs escadrons respectifs pour faire de petits ateliers simulant des situations réelles pouvant être vécues lors de leur mandant. La dernière journée, le Commandant communiqua ses intentions aux COMA et aux chefs de division.
Les trois journées qu’ont durées l’atelier ont été centrée sur le leadership, l’acceptation des responsabilités, la planification et, bien sûr, l’apprentissage.
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German Defence Attache Visits College
On the morning of 16 January 2013, the Third and Fourth Year Classes received a briefing from the Federal Republic of Germany’s defence attaché to Canada, LCol Kay Kuhlen of the Bundeswehr. It was LCol Kuhlen’s second visit to the RMCC; he had previously visited the College in 2010 as a guest lecturer. LCol Kuhlen’s purpose was to educate the Third and Fourth Year Cadets about the capabilities of the Bundeswehr as well as the strategic role that it plays in German society and the world in general.
A major point covered by LCol Kuhlen was the perspective espoused by the German civilian population towards the military and military service that is vastly different than that espoused by Canadians towards the CF and the concept of military service in Canada. LCol Kuhlen informed us that there is great public debate in Germany about whether or not Germany needs or should even have a military whereas in Canada social perceptions of the military and military service are quite positive.
LCol Kuhlen also educated the Cadets on a unique role that the Bundeswehr plays in the German federal state. He informed the Cadets about how the Bundeswehr’s role in the German state is just one facet of the “holistic” or “whole of government approach” adopted by Germany in the Post-WWII era. Overall, the briefing was very informative and provided the Cadets with a great learning opportunity that will serve their military careers in the future when they work in association with our German allies.
Le matin du 16 janvier 2013, les classes de troisième et quatrième année ont assisté à une présentation de l’attaché de la défense de la République fédérale d’Allemagne, le LCol Kay Kuhlen de la Bundeswehr (forces armées allemandes) employé à l’embassade allemande à Ottawa. Il s’agissait de la deuxième visite du LCol Kuhlen au CMRC, puisqu’il était déjà venu en tant que conférencier invité en 2010. Le but de la présentation de cette année était d’éduquer les élofs au sujet des capacités de la Bundeswehr ainsi que de son rôle stratégique dans la société allemande et dans le monde en général.
Un sujet important couvert par le LCol Kuhlen consistait en la perception que la population civile allemande avait du service et de la vie militaire, une perception qui diffère radicalement de celle que les Canadiens ont à l’égard des FC et de la vie militaire canadienne. Le LCol Kuhlen a mentionné qu’en Allemagne, il existe un débat public important quant à décider si le pays a besoin ou même devrait avoir des forces armées tandis que l’opinion publique au Canada est plutôt favorable quant au service militaire.
Le LCol Kuhlen a également appris aux élofs que la Bundeswehr occupe un rôle unique au sein de l’État fédéral allemand. Il a expliqué que les forces armées allemandes ne sont qu’une facette de l’approche « holistique » ou « whole of government »adoptée par l’Allemagne après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. En fin de compte, la présentation a été très enrichissante et a fourni aux élofs une occasion d’apprentissage unique qui leur servira dans leurs futures carrières militaires lorsqu’ils auront à travailler avec nos alliés allemands.
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Briefings the Order of the Day for 1st & 2nd Years
While the 3rd & 4th Year Classes were in with LCol Kuhlen, the Germand Defence Attache to Canada, the 1st & 2nd Years had presentations of their own to go to. For the 1st Years, it was Media Relations with Capt Yvette Grygoryev, and the 2nd Years had time to meet with LCol Patrick Lemyre, College Director of Cadets. 25366 Mike Shewfelt was out with his camera, and managed to sneak into both briefings.
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2013 RMC Sandhurst Team Announced
Article and Photos by 25366 Mike Shewfelt
With the completion of the Sandhurst selection process last weekend , 12-13 Jan, the members of the 2013 RMC Sandhurst Team were announced this past Wednesday. These 15 Cadets have a challenging four months ahead of them, as they prepare to meet the challenge of “successfully representing Canada, the CF and RMCC as a robust, tenacious, smart, skilled, and highly competitive team.”
2013 RMC Sandhurst Team:
25887 OCdt (IV) Daniel Wilkinson – 5 Sqn, 25360 OCdt (IV) Dominic Ragetli – 7 Sqn, 25726 OCdt (IV) Max Peetsma – 10 Sqn, 25840 OCdt (IV) Tucker Densmore – 9 Sqn, 25935 OCdt (III) Jeremy Jobin – 11 Sqn, 25928 OCdt (III) Andrew Jarvis (Captain) – 9 Sqn, 26020 OCdt (III) Michael Cole – 7 Sqn, 26270 OCdt (II) Adrian Thow – 12 Sqn, 26268 OCdt (II) Stephanie Paquette – 6 Sqn, 26099 OCdt (II) Jean-Seabastien Otis – 4 Sqn, 26339 OCdt (II) Jean-Francois Lizee – 3 Sqn, 26414 OCdt (II) Jackson Doucet – 9 Sqn, 26612 OCdt (I) Claire Matlock – 12 Sqn, 26685 OCdt (I) Graham Mater – 8 Sqn, 26568 OCdt (I) Nicholas Jobin – 12 Sqn
Support Staff:
25983 OCdt (III) Matthew Bowser – 11 Sqn, 25958 OCdt (III) Aaron Brideau (Spt Team Lead) – 12 Sqn, 25720 OCdt (IV) Cindy LaVine – 11 Sqn, 25926 OCdt (III) Adam Goddard – 10 Sqn, 26220 OCdt (III) Andrew Legge – 9 Sqn
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4th Year Class Senior Reflects as Class of 2013 Enters Home Stretch
Article by / Écrit par 25725 NCdt (IV) Brennen Osburn, Class of 2013 Class Senior
It is hard to believe that we have spent almost four years here at RMCC. I still remember my first day at the College; I would have never guessed how many friends I would make during my time here. The Class of 2013 has accomplished so much during its time here, and I have no doubt that the Class will continue to impress before its time is done here at the College. As the Class Senior for the 4th years, I have been privileged to lead and organize the Class through its last year. We have one more semester left to go, and there is still much that needs to be done. The new barslate which took over recently has much work ahead of them, and we have every confidence in their leadership. Perhaps one of the biggest challenges ahead of the Class is the preparation for graduation. I have seen the dedication and hard work of the class of 2013 first hand, however, and I have every confidence that we will be ready for May 17th.
C’est difficile de croire que nous avons passé près de quatre années ici au CMRC. Je me souviens de notre premier jour au collège; je n’aurais jamais imaginé combien à quel point nous nous rapprocherions au cours de nos quatre années ici. La classe de 2013 a accompli beaucoup pendant son temps au CMRC et il ne fait aucun doute que la classe accomplira encore plus avant d’être diplomée. Je suis Élof Brennen Osburn, le chef de la classe de 2013. J’ai eu le privilège d’organiser et mener la classe durant son année finale. Alors qu’il ne nous reste seulement qu’un semestre , il ya beaucoup de travail à faire. Le nouveau « barslate » qui a pris contrôle de l’escadre récemment a beaucoup de « pain sur la planche », mais nous avons confiance qu’ils réussiront. A mon avis, le plus grand défi de la classe est la préparation pour la graduation. Nous devons nous concentrer sur nos études, penser à notre avenir, compléter nos tâches de leader, tout ça, dans l’excitation de terminer nos aventures. Regardant les efforts que chaque membre de la classe a mis au cours des dernières années afin de faire du Collège un endroit fonctionnel et agréable, je suis confiant que nous serons tous prêts le 17 mai prochain, lorsque nous recevrons notre commission.
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RMC and USNA Pipes & Drums, Highland Dancers Combine for Concert
With the Pipes & Drums of the United States Naval Academy in town this past weekend for the annual band exchange with RMCC, the Pipes & Drums of both bands staged a combined concert this past Saturday night. The sounds of bagpipes filled the air in Currie Hall as the two groups came together to perform both traditional tunes and ones that they had worked on together. The concert was well-attended by Staff and Cadets from the College, and featured a surprise guest, RMC’s own M0993 OCdt (IV) Colin Clansey, Otter Sqn CSL and former Drum Major at the College ten years ago, who gave an amazing solo performance.
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Photos from the event (click to enlarge):
