PMT article coordinated by: Officer Cadet 27079 (II) Joshua Siu – 7 Squadron – Cadet Wing Internal Information O
This week at the Royal Military College, the Officer Cadets (OCdts) participated in Professional Military Training (PMT) on 18 Mar. The OCdts were split up into their respective years and each had their briefings:
- I Years – First time for Full Fighting Order
- II Years – Serving with integrity video runs into technical difficulties
- III Years – Have their eyes set on leading the Wing
- IV Years – Meet up with a panel of senior NCOs
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For PMT on March 18, the first year officer cadets at RMC were given a chance to prepare for their upcoming summer training by participating in a ruck march. For many of the cadets it was the first time they had tried on their FFO (Full Fighting Order), also known as full fighting order.
Although there were some minor discrepancies in dress between them, the first years, as a whole, did a very good job assembling their kit. Before the march began, the commander of 6 squadron, Captain Kilburn, gave some helpful advice on how to make rucking easier such as making sure to wear good socks, and ensuring that everything was tight so it wouldn’t bounce or move. Each division set out on their own and completed two routes around the RMC campus.
They began by going around the point and afterwards they went towards the memorial arch before looping back around the CDA (Canadian Defence Academy) and coming back through Navy Bay. Overall it was a very positive experience for everyone involved and the first years came out with practical knowledge that they will be able to use for their summer training, and for some, the rest of their careers.
-OCdt (I) Cameron Walker (27456)
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For the first half of our PMT this week, we were slated to watch a video regarding serving with integrity in the Canadian Armed Forces, shown by Lt(N) Medeiros. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we were unable to watch this video, but due to this unforeseen complication, we were briefed on the exchange program by the DDCdts (Deputy Director of Cadets), before having an extended DCdts (Director of Cadets) Hour.
During this DCdts hour, we were briefed on the importance of our future roles as FYOP (First Year Orientation Program) staff for the incoming recruits in the fall of 2015. After this, he opened the floor to any questions and concerns we might have.
The popular topic of the morning was the time audit, as several Officer Cadets brought forward their concerns about the ability to accurately represent how their time was spent.
Following this, the DCdts spoke about the opportunities presented to us at the college, using our newly formed Marksmanship Team as an example. He spoke about the opportunity for them to possibly attend the CFSAC (Canadian Force Small Arms Concentration) competition in September, and also touched on certain obstacles some teams and clubs can face, as well as the best way to overcome these obstacles, through cooperation from the Cadet Chain of Authority and the Military Wing here at the college.
As the DCdts said, “Train hard, fight easy!”
-OCdt (II) Shaun Noel (26894)
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With the end of the semester approaching, that can only mean one thing… Drill Practice. This weeks for the third year class consisted of drill practice on the parade square, as a refresher before the much anticipated, pre-grad parade drill-fest. A review of the fix bayonet and other basic drill movements will help us look our best on those warm spring afternoons. The drill sharks were out in full force with the drill warrant, to make sure everyone was giving one hundred percent. This precursor to grad parade is only a reminder that the class of 2016 will soon be leading the cadet wing.
OCdt (III) Kevin Pathinather (26634)
For the fourth year cadets, this week’s PMT consisted of a panel of senior NCOs (Non-Commissioned Officers) speaking on the relationship between officers and non-commissioned members. The panel was highlighted by the Canadian Armed Forces Chief Warrant Officer, Chief Warrant Officer West, in addition to five Master-Warrant Officers.
Organized by the CCWO (College Chief Warrant Officer), Chief Davidson, the panel 
discussed the many relevant issues surrounding junior officers and their role of mentoring and personal development. They also touched on the importance of the continuing educational support and development of the NCM (Non-Commissioned Members) corps.
Mr. West provided insight into how the next five years would play out, as well as the goals and priorities that the fourth year cadets should be taking into consideration. Question period consisted of queries about the personal relationship between an officer and his senior and junior NCMs. The Master-Warrant Officers present, specifically those from the Army, commented on the importance of balancing knowing your subordinates but not getting too close with them.
-OCdt (IV) Zachary Day (26257)